Historic garage to be demolished to build five new houses

Wells Garage and Ken Parke Planning Consultants have proposed plans to build five new houses at the site near Salisbury Road in Ringwood.

The garage has been in the area since 1930 when the land was bought by garage founder James W. Wells. 

It is said it was chosen due to the nearby hump back bridge which was considered by Mr Wells as a hotspot for suspension problems.  

Since then, the site has been used by the Ministry of Defence in World War Two and was taken over by Mr Well's son, Martin Wells, in 1950. 

The company is still in family hands with Hazel Wells acting as managing director.

There is currently three conjoined buildings on the site, however, they would need to be demolished to suit the plans. 

The buildings are currently used as a workshop and offices with a residential accommodation.

Although the buildings have expanded and changed over time, the original building is the same as the one built in 1930.

The plans include three detached four-bedroom and two detached three-bedroom houses. 

Along with this, 16 parking spaces have been proposed with a minimum of three spaces at each house. 

Each house will also have a private rear garden and a bicycle storage shed.

The plans also include an internal estate road to be accessed from the current site access, which can be found in Salisbury Road.

Soft landscaping is mentioned which states the company will plant native tree species and hedges along with south-western and south-eastern boundaries. 

The application has received some objections with concerns about the removal of the current building's asbestos roof and pollution from the removal of concrete bases.

Concerns have also been raised about an 'unacceptable' loss of privacy if they houses are built. 

Some residents have suggested some of the the houses will have a direct view into several homes and therefore have asked for plans to be made to avoid this.