Kia dealership Fine Cars in Hampshire is facing having to re-submit new plans for expansion after its third setback in as many years.
Sales director Brett Duke is looking at the impact of his Lee-on-the-Solent showroom and workshop plans after a planning inspector refused to overturn a council decision to block the plans.
Fine Cars appealed against Gosport Borough Council's decision last summer to turn down the expansion, and the planning inspector backed the idea in every way except over the question of whether it would cause more noise.
The dealer now wants to prove the plans will not create more noise and said the company will to re-submit its planning application.
The family-owned business had feared it could lose the Kia franchise if it did not adapt to meet the larger showroom requirements.
It had previously wanted to relocate to the former HMS Daedalus airfield site under development, but that plan was thwarted in 2012 by councillors who said it was unsuitable for motor retail.
As editor, Tim is responsible for the media content, planning and production of AM's multiple channels (AM print and digital magazines, website, social media and contributing to our events planning). He interviews and writes about as many franchised dealer groups and UK divisions of motor manufacturers as possible, to explore the issues facing UK motor retail and understand what solutions dealers and suppliers are using to overcome these.
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