A VEHICLE bodyshop and repair centre is looking to open a new location in Basingstoke to due to its ever-growing client base.

Smart Bodyshop Limited, currently based in Hook, is seeking planning permission to transform businesses unit in the Ringway Centre industrial estate into a new bodyshop.

The applicant is a specialist in car body repair, full or partial paint resprays, dent removal, alloy wheel repair and refurbishment, bumper repairs, valeting and insurance work to both the public and fleet vehicle specialists.

Submitted to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, the plan states that the site would be able to accommodate up to 22 cars maximum, with would be in fitting with the firms existing base.

In the planning statement provided by Harwood Savin Ltd, it read: “It is intended that once again, up to a maximum of 22 vehicles can be accommodated within the workshop for repairs at any one time. The premises also includes 22 parking spaces.”

Smart Bodyshop is looking to move premises as its current site in Hook has become too small.

However, the firm did look to stay locally but could not find an appropriate site, the planning report continued: “Despite efforts to move in close proximity to their existing location, they have been unable to find a suitable premise.

“However, Unit 6 at the Ringway Centre fully fulfils their criteria in terms of not only the nature and extent of the accommodation, but also the location, being close to the ring road and easily accessible for customers and suppliers.”

It is believed that because the site is on an industrial estate that the proposed change of use to the unit would have minimum impact on the surrounding residents who are nearly 300 metres away from the site in Millard Close, South View.

It reads in the planning statement: “There are other industrial units and warehouses surrounding the application site that are higher in impact in comparison to the proposed use of the application site.

“Overall, the proposal would not result in any detrimental or adverse impacts upon the neighbouring premises or the residential areas.To view the plans visit planning.basingstoke.gov.uk. and search

18/01404/FUL.