A SKIP hire business in Kingskerswell is being forced to look for a new home as plans are being considered for a new car sales business on the site, writes Ellen Grindley.

ABC Siddalls has been operating from Coventry Farm industrial estate for 28 years but the company, which employs 20 people, will have to move to make way for a new development by Ocean BMW for a car showroom.

But the waste firm says relocation is a difficult process for its operations, particularly in terms of infrastructure it needs.

And it says permission must be granted by both the Environment Agency and Devon County Council before it can move to a new site.

Bosses are already searching for a new home as they have already been given notice to quit by the landlords but if they cannot find suitable alternative accommodation up to 20 jobs could be at risk.

Devon County Council is also objecting to the planning application for the car showroom, workshop with MOT testing station and office facilities.

As the waste planning authority, it believes the proposal will prevent the operation of the existing waste transfer station operated by ABC Siddalls and that the impact of the facility ‘cannot be adequately mitigated’.

Planning consultant Mick Roberts, acting on behalf of ABC Siddalls, explained there was still nine years left on the Coventy Farm site and had recently had plans for an enhanced recycling facility on the site approved.

In his statement, Mr Roberts said: ‘The nature of my clients use of this site as a waste transfer processing site is that it is difficult to find an alternative location for it requires a significant amount of space but produces a limited capital turnover in comparison to the site area required.

‘Their aim had been to continue providing the current service they do to the public and building trade until the expiration of their lease.’

Solicitors acting for the landlord at Coventry Farm said: ‘It is clear that the application is for a prestigious development on a relatively high profile site that will secure a very significant number of jobs while at the same time securing a dramatic and market improvement in the physical appearance of the site.’

The landlord also states that he is in the process of serving notice to ABC Siddalls to bring the tenancy to an end.

The Health and Safety Executive has advised there are sufficient reasons on safety grounds against granting permission and the county council’s flood and coastal risk team also believe the application does not satisfactorily conform with the Local Plan’s flood risk policy.

Further information has been asked for in terms of surface water drainage, air quality data, plans showing visibility splays for highways officers and an ecology survey.