WOOLSTON is set for a new specialist car body shop, following approval being given by Warrington Borough Council.

The new body shop will be an extension to a unit that is on Chesford Grange, off Woolston Grange Avenue.

According to the description on the council's planning portal, the approved application is for: "A proposed new two-storey extension to create a new vehicle bodywork repair and renovation
workshop with a new spray shop in existing the single-storey wing adjacent.

"[And] installation of a new photovoltaic array to the flat roof of the new extension and main roof."

The approved plans will see the extension built, as well as the installation of solar panels on the roof.

According to the application, the proposals relate to the Ninemeister garage in Woolston, which specialises in Porsches.

The application's design and access statement reads: "The purpose is to provide a statement covering the proposed extension/alteration of the existing specialist classic car maintenance/servicing and part-vehicle restoration to create an ‘in-house’ bodywork repairs and car painting facility. 

"Currently, all bodywork repairs and car spraying is undertaken off-site though the stripping of components to prepare the body shells for spraying is already undertaken on-site."

The new extension will allow for various specialist works to take place on-site in Woolston.

It is concluded in the statement: "The proposal to extend the existing building should have little or no impact on the amenity of any adjacent businesses or dwellings.

"At a sustainable and economic level, the combining of two businesses under one single roof will diminish their current carbon usage by omitting their constant transportation of body shells and parts to and from the current spray shop facilities.

"The main building upgrade will be the inclusion of a significant insulation enhancement internally and the installation of the large format solar array over the whole roof of the building significantly reducing the building's energy consumption and impact on the planet's resources.

"We believe that the proposed design should be considered an enhancement."

Warrington Borough Council approved the planning application on January 8.