PLANS have been revealed to demolish an existing vehicle service centre and showroom to build a more modern replacement.

Arnold Clark Automobiles Limited has submitted a planning application to Carlisle City Council, requesting permission to build a new Ford Service Centre.

The proposal involves demolishing the existing service centre/hire drive building at Wakefield Road, Carlisle and building a new centre with a workshop, MOT facility and administration spaces.

A new vehicle wash bay will be constructed, additional space of vehicle sales, customer and staff parking. A vehicle service compound is also included in the plans.

In their Design and Access Statement, the applicant said: "The Service Centre has become somewhat dated and is a mix of various extensions. The site however is in a strategic location for the group and a number of options have been examined to either refurbish the existing building or redevelop the site to suit current requirements."

Arnold Clark is one of the largest car dealer groups in Europe selling 300,000 cars a year.

They said: "The proposed development enhances the site to provide a coherent Service Centre.

"The new configuration also increased the number of display vehicles which in turn encourages investment and maintains economic competitiveness whilst offering local employment opportunities, without creating undue harm to local character or amenities, consistent with the Development Plan and material considerations of the National Planning Policy framework."

Existing access positions to the service centre will be retained, the showroom will be accessed via a new entrance in and out of the site.

"The site will have convenient oversized customer parking bays and designated disabled person’s parking spaces situated close to the main entrance for both buildings. Staff parking will be located behind the Sales Centre, beside the valet building."

The public can view and comment on all applications submitted to Carlisle City Council for approval.

To view applications submitted for your area, visit: https://www.carlisle.gov.uk/Residents/Planning-and-Building-Control