Expansion inspired by 1930s

A business is looking back to the 1930s for the inspiration for new workshop space.

Sherwood Restorations Ltd, of Upton Road, Southwell, has applied for planning permission to build a replica of a 1930s metal garage that once

stood on site.

The company’s sales director, Mr Charles Smalley, said they chose a 1930s-style building because it fitted with the company’s work restoring vintage cars.

He said: “About three years ago we got planning permission to double the size of our current workshops, which are quite modern. We held off doing it but recently we found we needed more space.

“We just happened to find out about these alternative style buildings, which are similar to how the garage looked here in 1932.

“We thought it would be nice to have something in keeping with what we do as a business and having something period.”

Mr Smalley said once the building was built they hoped to add heritage-style features to make it look more authentic.

He said: “If planning goes through we will be doing the building up to make it look like the old garage used to in the 1930s so we will try to source period petrol pumps to put outside and period signage.

“The building fits with what we do and with our local environment with the Workhouse so nearby.

“We get a lot of visitors who go to the Workhouse and then come here to have a look around and we also get classic car clubs come to visit.”

The new workshop will measure 18 metres by ten metres and be positioned behind the showroom building, which can be seen from the road.

Mr Smalley said if they get planning permission they would try to erect the building as soon as possible.

He said: “It depends on the constraints of the people we have to order from because the building will be made in America.”

The application has been backed by Upton Parish Council and Southwell Town Council.

The final decision will be made by Newark and Sherwood District Council.