Council approves new vehicle repair garage and MOT testing facility in Thatcham

West Berkshire Council has approved converting a vacant industrial unit into a vehicle repair garage and DVSA authorised MOT testing facility.

The building, located in Unit 3 Pipers Court, Berkshire Drive, Thatcham, will be an expansion of Fergies Automotive Limited’s facilities, which has occupied Unit 4 since 2019.

It announced its decision on Thursday, October 10.

The case officer’s report read: “It has been demonstrated that there are positive economic developments associated with this development.”

Approval is subjection to multiple conditions, including that the premises should not be used any other purpose than for vehicle repairs and MOT testing.

Trading should also not take place outside of the following hours: Mondays to Fridays (8am to 5.30pm).

It will be closed on weekends and public holidays.

The applicant has entered into a 15 year lease of the premises.

Find out about planning applications that affect you at the Public Notice Portal.

The site was occupied by Knowles-Wilkins Engineering Limited until April, which ran a car service and repair workshop.