Inchcape secures planning permission for Norwich JLR dealership

Inchcape has secured planning permission for a new Dual Arch Concept Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) dealership in Norwich.

The AM100 car retail group’s former chief executive, James Brearley, revealed plans for the sprawling two-storey facility in a profile of the business published by AM last summer.

Set to be developed on land off Cromer Road, Postwick, to the East of Norwich, the new Hunter JLR showroom will be split into two zones, comprising of front of house for customer use, and back of house for staff and vehicle storage.

It is not the only new JLR site under development by Inchcape, which also has also opened a new standalone service centre in Guildford.

The Norwich Evening News reported that a design and access statement prepared by Taylor Design Architects for the Norwich dealership planning application said: "Hunters JLR Norwich will need to employ a wide range of additional staff as part of this investment proposal.

"It will provide Norwich with high quality technical employment opportunities, as well as apprenticeship and training roles for school and college leavers."

Inchcape’s latest JLR investment follows a group-wide restructure reported in AM’s recent profile feature.

After a process which brought about the disposal of 20 dealerships over the space of two years, the group is once again investing in property, however.

It recently completed a new flagship Destination CI Porsche Centre, in Bournemouth and the business is planning to open 20 new standalone used car retail businesses – each with an adjoining fast-fit aftersales offering – over the next three years.

The new division, branded as bravoauto, already has businesses in Burton-on-Trent, Bolton, Chester, Cheltenham, Derby and Shrewsbury.