PLANS for a new 200-car dealership off a busy road in East Dorset have been given the green light.

The proposals from Hendy Group for the brownfield site off the A31 at St Leonards include a large showroom, sales suite, with outside spaces for up to 224 vehicles.

Once open the new dealership will be the only Hendy establishment in Dorset, with more than 30 other sites across the south of England.

The new operation will provide 20 full-time jobs, with a statement from Hendy saying development pressures in urban areas have forced car dealerships to look for alternative sites.

An officer from East Dorset District Council’s planning department approved the scheme under delegated powers.

Mark Busby, commercial director at Hendy, said: “Dorset is a place we know and love, with a number of our employees hailing from the county.

“We’re hoping to bring our services to the area as part of our commitment to growing our business across the south.”