Stone Tyres expansion greenlit with planning approval

Article date: 26 July 2022

Earlier this year John Stone submitted proposals to acquire and develop land adjacent to his current business, Stone Tyres on College Street. 

The plans will see John's long-standing tyres business expand with the construction of a new MOT centre, offering full testing and servicing for cars and vans. 

The venture will create six new jobs, including opportunities for two apprentice roles, with planning officers commenting on the proposals' positive effect on the local economy, their contribution to the area and the improvement of local facilities for residents. 

Planning officers worked positively and proactively with John to identify various solutions during the application process to ensure that the proposals comprised sustainable development and would improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area. 

The planning application also received dozens of letters of support from residents, both from Stone Tyres customers and neighbouring residents. 

John said: 

"The purchase of the land adjoining our current garage and securing planning approval is massive for us as a business as it allows us to expand our current offering from just tyres to MOT and servicing of cars and vans. 

"Building on our already great reputation we aim to be a full one stop shop to keep motorists safe and legal on the road. 

"This is another positive for the borough showing that an already successful business is keen to put significant investment into the area, creating skilled well-paid jobs and providing a much-needed service to the residents and business." 

Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning, said: 

"I am glad that we were able to support this business expansion through our planning and property services, helping to identify potential issues and solutions as part of the standard planning process, to ensure that the expansion contributes positively to the area. 

"And I am even happier that we were able to approve it. These plans are a credit to John's resilience as a business owner and local employer and demonstrate his confidence in further investment in the area, supporting our wider development plans."