Plans to transform an old car dealership site into a residential development have been approved. 

The plans are for the Vauxhall Downside dealership site on Wells Road in Chilcompton, and will see the former dealership demolished. 

On the site, seven new homes will be built, made up of three terraced houses and two sets of semi-detached homes. 

The site will also incorporate electric vehicle charging points and parking for visitors.

The plans were initially submitted by developer Mendip and Somerset Homes in November 2022. 

Over the years, the site has been a housebuilders’ yard, a cycle repair shop, a petrol station and a coach depot. 

By the 1990s, the Vauxhall Downside dealership was on the site, and remained there until 2020, when it closed down. 

In the application, the developer commented: “The site is located in the centre of the village with residential properties either side and opposite and with the village hall and the St Vigor and St John (CofE) school to the west and behind.

“Industrial and commercial premises within the village are now concentrated in three primary locations, New Rock industrial Estate, Broadway and Manor Farm. 

“The proposal therefore is to demolish the existing showroom and servicing workshop and build a small cul-de-sac of seven dwellings. 

“The houses would be built of local reconstituted stone and render under a profiled concrete tiled roof to compliment and reflect the traditional materials used in the neighbouring properties.”