TEIGNMOUTH'S last new car dealership is moving out next month. The Seat dealership and its entire staff at County Garage, Bitton Park Road, is upping sticks to Pottery Road, Kingsteignton. The purpose-built garage will be just minutes from Swanson's Ford dealership, which pulled out of Teignmouth two years ago. It means the Bitton Park garage and forecourt will be vacated. The petrol station and forecourt will remain – but its long-term fate depends on the outcome of a planning application for the site. It is hoped the garage and forecourt will be converted into a 336 sq m convenience store with parking for 15 cars. Plans include the removal of the car wash to make way for car parking. The store will be housed in the garage showroom. County managing director Gordon Eaton said it would be the only way Teignmouth can hold on to its only petrol station. 'The petrol station is simply not viable on its own. 'I sincerely hope that the planners look favourably upon it because I don't want Teignmouth to be without a petrol station. it would be so inconvenient for people,' he said. A revised transport statement about traffic movements has been submitted to planners this week. Bitton Park Road is one of the most polluted areas in Teignbridge and is subject to an air quality plan. Mr Eaton said that he understood concerns about traffic increase 'but I can't see that this is going to make any difference. 'There will not be the movement of cars for servicing and there is going to be parking facilities which are not available at the moment. 'I cannot see the justification for turning it down,' he said. The move to Kingsteignton is part of a 'general migration' for car dealerships. 'It has a greater catchment area and is more central to our market,' The dealership will join other big names including Ford, Honda and Renault. 'We are very pleased with the new showroom and it is being fitted out at the moment. 'It is a better situation for all our customers and we will continue to offer the same good service as we have always done,' he said.
