Advance EV, a certified electric car dealership, has received permission from the Central Planning Authority to build a $1.2 million dedicated showroom in George Town.
The company, which displays its electric cars at Advance Automotive on Owen Roberts Drive, plans to construct the new 6,483-square-foot facility and 25 parking spaces on Crewe Road.
The proposed project was first discussed at the 27 Sept. meeting of the authority when the matter was adjourned to re-invite objectors to a future meeting.
It was then addressed again during the 8 Nov. meeting, following which it was approved, subject to conditions and relevant approvals.
Prior to the meeting, the Department of Planning had recommended that the authority discuss the height of the proposed surrounding wall.
The developer had asked for permission to build a five-foot-high concrete wall to the sides and back of the new facility – a variance to planning regulations of one additional foot.
In response, the authority said it is satisfied the height of the proposed wall is in keeping with the character of the area.
The Department of Planning also recommended the authority discuss the suitability of the site which is zoned ‘medium density residential’.
In response, the authority again said the site is suitable for the proposed commercial development as it is in keeping with the character of the area.
Objections
There were four written public objections to the project detailed in the meeting agenda.
The first said the proposed development is directly in the middle of their childhood family home and apartments which have been there for decades.
“This project would also create a lot of noise, plus adding to the traffic congestion and possibly devaluating the property,” the objector wrote.
A second objector said they believed the proposal would have a negative impact on the neighbourhood due to traffic congestion, noise, footfall and obstructed views.
They stressed that the area is “predominantly residential” with just a veterinary clinic, plant nursery, shop and takeaway, “and we would love to keep it that way”.
A nearby property owner, who wrote the third letter of objection, also said the car showroom and service centre would result in increased traffic.
They added that the size of this proposed development would reduce the area’s aesthetic appeal.
A fourth objector, also a home owner, said a business of the planned size would be disruptive to their rental tenant and could potentially devalue their property.
The Central Planning Authority responded that the dealership is for the sale and service of electric vehicles “and an inherent aspect of such vehicles is the lack of noise they generate”.
It added that because the site is on a busy road, the noise generated from that traffic would be greater than any noise emanating from the dealership.
The authority did not agree that the proposed use would lead to traffic congestion and said that view is supported by the National Roads Authority.
And it said the aesthetic appearance of the development is in keeping with the character of the area which includes a variety of commercial uses and multi-family developments.
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