PLANS for electric vehicle giant Tesla to take over a former Porsche garage in Dorset are edging closer with almost unanimous praise for the proposals being expressed by residents.
As reported, Tesla submitted plans on January 19 to convert the site in New Road, Ferndown, into a large showroom and service centre with electric vehicle superchargers.
If approved, the site would be the first Tesla Supercharger in Dorset.
Residents in and around Ferndown have mostly expressed excitement at the electric vehicle site plans, with just one out of 11 official application responses opposing the plans.
Paul French said: “This is a business that we want to attract to Dorset. Very happy to see this site used as a sustainable auto dealership.”
The eco-friendly thoughts were echoed by Robert Young, who said: “[This] will keep with the prior theme as well as giving the area a much needed facility, with the current nearest Tesla centre being located in Winchester. This should help electric vehicles uptake in the area making for a better experience for all that value air quality.”
However, another resident expressed concerns that problems associated with the previous Porsche site may carry over. They said: “As a local resident these plans are unsuitable and disruptive for a residential area, with intrusive signage and increased traffic.”
They also their traffic worries stemmed from road parking from visitors and staff at the old Porsche site.
The proposals have also been supported by the West Parley Parish Council who have offered no objection to Tesla moving into the site, but request the case officer apply a condition that any illuminated signs are functioning between 6am to 10pm to limit impact for residents.
Parish council chair and Dorset Council member Cllr Andrew Parry told the Echo: “When the Porsche franchise moved to their purpose-built premises in Ferndown, there was much comment on social media and enquiries from residents concerned about the future of the site.
“We became aware that the site had been offered for rent and marketed as a car dealership. Tesla currently do not have any local representation and brand growth and dealership requirements would fit with the New Road premises.
“Their planning application shows modest adjustments for company branding and electric vehicle display and servicing requirements. I appreciate this draws a line under speculation for the immediate future of the site.
“We hope Tesla will want to be good neighbours to adjacent properties and appreciative of the parishes strong sense of identity and community spirit.”
Dorset Council’s highway authority also offered no objection to the plans.
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