A popular car dealership which has been serving motorists in the south west for more than 30 years is on the move

Elm Tree Cars is the main used car dealership for the Marlborough area and has become well known for its  car stickers that can be spotted across the country.

But in a Marlborough Town Council planning meeting on Monday, October 17, 2023, Mark Lovelace, owner of the popular car dealership, said it was time for a change.

He announced the business would be moving out of its HQ in Pelhams Court on London Road.

Alongside Richard Cosker of RCC Town Planning Consultancy and architect Mark Clifford of PKA Architects, Mr Lovelace outlined the proposed redevelopment for the current Elm Tree Cars.

The initial plan is for there to be ‘mixed-use’ redevelopment of the site with a new office building comprising four office suites, thirteen three and four-bed houses, and maisonettes with a first-floor suite in the riverside building.

“The Pelham Court premises is a large brownfield area much bigger than we need and is always requiring a significant investment,” explained Mr Lovelace.

“It is ideal for housing with a beautiful river frontage, and we are incorporating a number of wildlife and environmentally beneficial features into our application.”

An official planning application for the redevelopment plans has not yet been submitted, as Mr Lovelace wanted to first approach the council for its advice and comments.

Marlborough Town councillors warmly welcomed the redevelopment proposal and were keen to ask questions about the impact of redevelopment on neighbours and traffic.

“We have no plans to cease trading,” Mr Lovelace was keen to clarify.

“I have tried on numerous occasions to secure an alternative local site including the old Skurrays Vauxhall building, but without planning already in place, we are always at a disadvantage,” said Mr Lovelace.

Although there is also no news as of yet on where Elm Tree Cars will relocate, staff are on board with the change and excited to see the business continue to grow.

“The number of Elm Tree cars we see everywhere gives us all a great sense of pride," he added. "Customers often send photographs of cars with the Elm Tree logo they have seen in far away places."

Kerry Hambidge, 73, from Witney in Oxfordshire, said he still remembers the day he bought his Elm Tree car 25 years ago.

“I am personally extremely grateful, even moved, by those loyal customers and friends who have, and continue, to support us," Mr Lovelace added.