PLANS to increase the number of a vehicle spaces at a car park of a business have been granted approval.

Proposals to carry out a reconfiguration and alterations to the existing car park at Oak Tyres Ltd, on Ashton Road, Newton-le-Willows, to create six additional vehicle spaces were sent to the council earlier this year.

A supporting planning statement was prepared on behalf of Oak Tyres, in support of the full planning application for an additional six car parking spaces at its office HQ location.

It stated that Oak Tyres is one of the leading independent tyre distributors in the UK, supplying thousands of garages and retailers through a network of distribution hubs, serviced by a modern fleet of delivery vehicles.

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It added: “Oak Tyres is a significant employer in St Helens having historically been based at a site in Rainhill, the company has expanded over recent years and now has two major storage and distribution facilities at Haydock.

“This planning application relates to the national headquarters and main office function which is located at Woodlands Park. Oak Tyres employs over 160 people at its premises in St Helens.

“Oak Tyres has owned and occupied its office HQ building for five years and has consistently added to the staff headcount annually. There are currently 80 staff, and it is expected that this number could rise to 100 in the next two years.

“The existing car park arrangements provide 71 spaces in total including two mobility spaces.

“Whilst Oak Tyres operates a lift share programme and other travel plan measures unfortunately there is now insufficient car parking to accommodate the staff headcount on site.”

The statement also said that the proposals are submitted to ‘meet the needs of an important St Helens based business’ and have been carefully designed to meet with policy and technical requirements.

It added: “The modest quantum of additional spaces ensures that the site will be operationally safe for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. It does not result in planning policy conflicts nor does the proposal generate any identifiable planning harm.

“This statement has also identified several important material considerations in favour of the proposals including supporting a key local business which is important to the borough.

Recommending approval, planning officer Aqib Saghir said: “The proposed development seeks to re-use areas previously developed within the existing site – predominantly the hardstanding/ pavement associated with the existing car park.

“In addition, the applicant has demonstrated a need for additional parking spaces to support the local business operating at the site. The site is currently considered to have a deficit in parking spaces (71 spaces) in comparison to existing staff (95 staff).”

It added: “In addition, the business expects to see growth in the near future which would add further pressure for parking spaces and could potentially lead to unauthorised parking in open areas of the green belt surrounding the site.

“It is considered that the proposal would comply with the requirements of the Development Plan”.

Permission was granted.