Sytner gets green light to expand Coventry BMW dealership

Sytner Group has gained planning permission to expand its BMW dealership in Coventry despite objections from local residents about noise and vehicle emissions.

The AM100’s top car retail group by turnover will create 232 additional car storage spaces, on top of the site’s existing 300 spaces, in a new three-storey storage unit planned for the facility.

It said that the works will ensure that vehicle deliveries can be completed on-site and without disrupting traffic flow around the dealership on Holyhead Road, Coventry.

But the Coventry Telegraph reported this week that a 69-name petition from locals had opposed the plans, claiming Sytner’s scheme would “exacerbate” noise issues associated with the retail business.

The newspaper said ward councillor Ryan Simpson had told a recent planning meeting that residents were “bombarded by the unceremonious racket”.

Simpson also raised concerns about pollution in the area.

According to research from Friends of the Earth it is one of the most polluted spots in the West Midlands, with an annual average nitrogen dioxide level of 75.6ug/m3 – almost double the legal limit of 40ug/m3.

Jason Tate, an agent representing Sytner at the planning meeting, said new on-site storage at the BMW dealership would reduce vehicle movements to and from the facility to other storage compounds, however.