A FAMILY-owned car dealership has unveiled proposals to build showrooms for three makes of vehicles on one site in Taunton.

The plans for Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo outlets off Toneway could be the start of something big for the town’s business scene, it is claimed this week.

Helston Garages will create a number of new jobs when two purpose-built units on the former DLO site are completed in 2017.

The deal was steered by sector specialists Colliers International after Taunton Deane Council announced it was relocating to save money – it has since identified a site at Chelston, on the outskirts of Wellington.

Jaguar and Land Rover are presently situated in Bathpool, while the Volvo premises are in Priory Bridge Road.

Colliers automotive and roadside director Will Jolly said the deal, which took three years to finalise, will secure the future of the businesses in Taunton.

He added: “This is an excellent site and keeps three valuable businesses in Taunton.

“The town will retain these major occupiers with all the benefits in terms of jobs and footfall, while Helston Garages will be able to switch operations to a new purpose-built site that will allow the businesses to flourish.”

Mr Jolly believes it could be the first of a series of significant deals in and around the town.

He said: “With Hinkley Point C just up the road, these are the sort of high profile deals we’re going to see more of in anticipation of the massive investment into the area.

“Businesses are queuing up to capture the opportunity that brings.”

Helston Garages Group managing director Andy Barrett said: “We’ve always been committed to delivering the right facilities in Taunton for Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo customers to enjoy.

“The determination to grant planning permission was key to the deal as it will mean that the three Helston Garages Group businesses will be able to expand into their new state of the art showroom and workshop premises once building works are completed.

“It’s great to now be able to say with some certainty that we’ll be able to achieve this and strengthen our presence in Taunton. We’re looking forward to the opening in 2017.”

Taunton Deane Council leader Cllr John Williams said: “This will help consolidate the area as a destination for premier car dealerships.

“The site is a prime location at the gateway to Taunton.

“We welcome Helston Garages and the creation of new jobs.

“The relocation of the DLO is all part of our regeneration strategy for Taunton and maximising our assets for the benefit of our community.”

Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow said: “I was delighted to hear that planning permission had been granted for this excellent scheme – it’s just the sort of regeneration that Taunton is keen to embrace and it will play an important role in securing the future economy of the area.”