A car dealership is set to be built in Newport later this year at a cost of hundreds of thousands of pounds, scuppering controversial plans for 36 homes.
NovaFord have had a planning application passed by the borough council and hope to open up the business - on the old Handyman House site - before Christmas.
And the news has been greeted with delight by nearby residents – who have been fighting a three-year battle to stave off the threat homes being built on the land.
Audley Avenue resident Paul Grubert, a key campaigner against the homes development, said he welcomed the car dealership move.
He said: “We were very pleased to see the Ford garage plans passed and we wish them every success in the future.
“We fought plans for social housing on the site for three years and we were prepared to go to the Ombudsman.
“But when the garage plans were passed that was the final nail in the coffin- and we haven’t heard anything else.
“There is not enough room for both plans because the housing took over both the woodyard and the Handyman House site.
“And we would be up arms if the developers are just going to build what they wanted to on one half of the site.
“They will have to go through the planning stages again just like everyone else and submit plans so the public can look at them.”
But Telford & Wrekin Council this week said homes could still be built.
Planning Officer for Major Projects at Telford and Wrekin Council, Kate Stephens said: “Several planning applications can be granted on any one site but it comes down to which scheme can be implemented first.
“I have written to QI Developments to ask them if they are still interested but their offer is subject to a section 106 agreement which requires them to provide additional funding.
“I have not had a response but if the garage is built the housing plans would have to be reconsidered. They would be back to square one.”
NovaFord business owner Tim Prew, from Forton Glade in Newport will be heading up the dealership with wife Sandie.
He said the key part of the site which has caused much controversy amongst residents has now been resolved.
He said: “We now own the Handyman House site which is the key part of the jiqsaw and work to re-instate the garage will begin a week on Monday.
“I have been working towards setting something up in my home town and this is the right time.
“I have always been working towards this and now seems the right time.
“We will be recruiting a number of staff and we are looking at employing a couple of local apprentices.”
By Sam Pinnington
