Lindop Brothers' fears averted by Toyota dealership extension green light

Lindop Brothers have thanked councillors for granting permission for its Toyota dealership extension after planning officials twice recommended the scheme’s refusal.

AM reported earlier this month how business owner Steve Hopewell had expressed concerns that a failure to extend the site was likely to result in the firm losing its franchise and closing due to an inability to meet Toyota's capacity standards.

Planning officials at Wrexham Council had twice recommended that plans for the dealership site on Llay New Road, Wrexham, be turned down because of concerns over its impact an area of green barrier land.

But the Wrexham Leader newspaper today (September 13) reported that the authority’s councillors had approved the scheme after acknowledging the potential impact of the loss of 30 motor retail jobs.

A statement issued by Lindop Brothers said that the business “recognised the responsibilities which go alongside a development of this nature and will deliver an outcome which will be beneficial to all interested parties.”

A spokesperson for the business told the Wrexham Leader that the team at Lindop Toyota were “delighted” with Wrexham Council’s decision.

Lindop Brothers’ proposals include extending the car park area to cater for an increase in electric vehicle (EV) sales and the installation of new charging points.

Queensferry-based Lindop Brothers operates two Toyota Centres, one car dealership in Queensferry near Chester, the other car dealership in Wrexham.

The business’s latest published accounts, for the period to December 31, 2019, show a turnover of £32.38 million (2018: £33.1m) against pre-tax profits of £244,274 (2018: £300,450).