Car dismantling site could replace historic Leighton Buzzard business
Plans have been unveiled for a car dismantling operation to replace a historic Leighton Buzzard business, which decided to leave its Grovebury Road site.
Applicant Global Parts-UK Limited has submitted full plans to Central Bedfordshire Council for the change of use of the front of the building at George Browns Implements Limited to dismantle and recycle end-of-life motor vehicles.
The Feltham-based firm’s proposals include storage of the dismantled parts prior to their sale, retaining 43 parking places and adding space for four bicycles on the 8,200sqm site.
Chartered town planners Parker Dann said in a planning statement: “The premises lies within a well-defined industrial and business area, which accommodates commercial and retail uses.
“Global Parts‑UK Limited specialises in the supply of used BMW and Mini parts and is a well-established operator within the automotive parts sector. The business originally operated from Greenford, serving a wide customer base across the UK and Europe.
“After a fire in 2018 resulted in the total loss of the Greenford site, the company relocated to Norris House, Challenge Road, Feltham. The firm has a track record as a reliable and experienced operator, with many years of expertise in the storage, handling and distribution of automotive components.
“Its continued operation from Feltham highlights both its resilience and ongoing commercial relevance, as the company has maintained a strong presence in the industry. This usage would see the business expand alongside its current base.”
Planning permission was granted for the industrial unit at this location and for a neighbouring building to the east in June 2004, explained the statement.
“The re-use of the site should be a priority to ensure the premises continues to support the local economy and provide employment to the Leighton Buzzard community.
“The applicant’s plans have been developed in line with Environment Agency requirements around its specific needs under the environmental permit system that would apply to the proposed operation.
“All vehicle dismantling work will take place within the unit, with no external working at any time. Likewise, all vehicle parts arising from this process will be stored within the building.
“It’s anticipated no more than 25 end-of-life vehicles would be delivered to the site each week, with a maximum of 30 employees involved in the process. These vehicles would be transported to the unit when space allows.
“Before dismantling, a maximum of 15 cars may be stored within the service yard at any one time. It’s not financially viable for more vehicles to be stored on the site before dismantling.
“The only way any financial return to the business is achieved from the purchase of such vehicles is from the sale of dismantled parts. The priority is to dismantle the vehicles as soon as they arrive,” added the statement.
“Hours of operation of the unit would be from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and between 9am and 1pm on Saturdays, with no activity on Sundays or bank holidays.”
George Browns Limited announced its transition would take place in 2025, as part of a “major restructure” because of “internal shareholder demands”.
The business is named after George Brown, who moved from Houghton Regis to start a business as a blacksmith in Leighton Buzzard in 1830.