PLANS for a new Porsche dealership and showroom in Newport have been given the go-ahead.

Swindon-based Dick Lovett has a number of car dealerships across the south west of England selling brands such as Ferrari, BMW, Jaguar, and Aston Martin.

It already has a Porsche dealership in Cardiff and will now add another “exceptionally designed” one at Celtic Springs Business Park, just off Lakeside Drive, Coedkernew.

Around 100 jobs will be created including 80 full-time positions and 20 part-time positions.

At Newport City Council’s planning committee meeting on Wednesday, November 2, Cllr John Jones – who represents Graig – said it would be a “good thing” for Newport and would add value to the area.

South Wales Argus: Pier Architecture

An artist's impression of how the dealership will look. Picture: Pier Architecture 

The design and access statement, prepared by Asbri Planning on behalf of the applicant, promises a “world class experience for both the staff and customers”. New and used cars will be sold at the centre, in addition to sales, mechanical repairs and body work.

Planning officer Stephen Williams said the development’s impact on the Site of Importance to Nature Conservation (SINC) was justified because the habitat is currently in “poor quality”. Additionally, the developer has committed to planting 170 new trees on the western boundary of the site.

Cllr Trevor Watkins said: “As a councillor for Marshfield and Tredegar Park, I have had no adverse comments on this development.”

The plans were approved unanimously by the committee.