Former Waitrose could become electric car showroom

Part of the former Waitrose supermarket in Shrewsbury could become a car showroom

Plans to turn an empty shop into a car showroom have been given conditional approval ahead of a final decision by county planners.

Greenhous Group wants to convert part of the former Waitrose supermarket facing St Mary's Street, Shrewsbury, into a shop front for electric vehicles.

The proposals would create one full-time and two part-time jobs at the store, the company said.

The firm has asked for approval to install a large sliding door in place of the existing shop frontage, to allow vehicle access into the 87-sq-m site.

Members of Shrewsbury Town Council’s planning committee raised no objections to the scheme at their meeting on Tuesday.

They suggested installation of a dropped kerb to assist with vehicle movements, however.

Company bosses said a town-centre presence would support its operations.

“It is important to note that the service offered at the site will be different to that previously associated with car showrooms,” they said.

“Firstly the vehicles promoted will be electric only. Secondly, whilst vehicles will be available to view, nothing will physically be sold in the showroom.”

Customers would be able to book test drives, vehicle viewings, servicing, MOTs and valeting, they said.

The space has been empty since Waitrose moved out in 2020, while high street bakery chain Greggs has moved in to the part of the unit facing Pride Hill.

Shropshire Council will decide whether to award planning permission in due course.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.