A major car dealership that collapsed into administration is now being demolished to make way for a petrol station and electric vehicle charging site. The CMS Vauxhall site in Kidderminster fell into administration in August 2023 after a series of financial difficulties, and has been empty ever since, with the site on Churchfields being described as an “eyesore”.
However, an approved scheme means that the site’s existing building will soon be demolished to make way for car services, despite the decision facing multiple objections.
According to the Kidderminster Shuttle, the buildings will be replaced with a new 24-hour petrol station featuring a kiosk shop with food-to-go, EV charging bays, car parking, a jet wash, and new landscaping.
The developer says the transformation project would create 20 employment opportunities, split between 10 full-time and 10 part-time roles.
While councillors at a Wyre Forest District Council planning meeting voted in favour of the application, not all agree with the decision. Councillor Marcus Hart raised significant opposition to the plans, noting 65 formal objections, social media criticism, and an objection from Kidderminster Town Council.
The main concerns shared included the potential for increased traffic on the ring road, the development’s proximity to an existing Sainsbury’s petrol station, the possibility of light pollution from 24-hour operation, and the site’s proximity to homes.
Though Mr Hart argued that similar situations already exist locally, referencing a petrol station at Gilgal in Stourport that works at a busy junction near another petrol station. The councillor concluded that the proposal complied with planning policy.
He also said the project would improve the appearance of the local area, adding: “It’s a redundant site and it’s an eyesore at the moment. The plan includes landscaping and greenery – yes it’s 24/7 but so are lots of other petrol stations.”
The applicant, EG On The Move Limited, justified the development by arguing there is a need for improved roadside services in and around Kidderminster.
They said: “The proposed development will comprise a new comprehensive roadside facility for which there is an identified need in the context of a shortfall of such services in the wider Kidderminster area.
“The proposed development will allow for the provision of eight high-powered EV charging points on the SRN for which there is an evident need.
“The proposed development will also bring back an active economic use to the site which has remained vacant for over a year.”
