Expansion plans for a Dorchester garage business could see a new franchise and a 30 per cent increase in jobs.

The Magna Motor Company which currently runs the Mazda and adjoining Nissan businesses off Millers Close, is planning a new showroom on the opposite side of the road to its main sales area.

Its proposal involves demolishing a former NHS building on the corner of the road, currently used for valeting, and putting up a new showroom. The site is on the corner of Millers Close opposite Grove House and Mole Valley Farmers.

A planning consent has been lodged with Dorset Council seeking approval for the move. The application is similar to a 2017 agreed planning permission which has since lapsed.

If the new application is approved the new building will result in a slight reduction in parking spaces from 35 to 33 but will increase the company's Dorchester sales area and the potential for new jobs.

The only significant change from the previously, approved, application is that the front elevation is now mostly glass, similar to other car showrooms in the area.

A company spokesman said that talks are close to a conclusion about the new franchise but it is unable to name which brand might be coming to the Dorchester site until the deal has been signed off.

Magna currently employs 37 showroom, support and technical staff on the Millers Close site and says that the expansion could bring at least ten new jobs.

The company moved its local Mazda franchise to Dorchester from Upwey last year, taking up the space which was previously Citroen. It has five Mazda outlets in the South including Bournemouth and Poole, Southampton and Salisbury.

Dorchester Town Council has supported the application for the new showroom although a final decision will be made by Dorset Council.

The proposal, ref P/FUL/2021/00750, can be seen on the planning section of the Dorset Council website.