Work begins at new Enterprise Rent-A-Car site in Taunton

Enterprise Rent-A-Car signage has appeared at 29 Priory Bridge Road, which previously housed part of the Taunton Motor Company's Volvo franchise.

The site had been disused since the Volvo franchise moved to Priory Way in 2018.

In July last year, Enterprise submitted plans to change the site's use from a car dealership garage to a vehicle hire and sales branch.

The company also sought permission for a single storey extension and new signage on the site, which is surrounded by industrial units and housing.

The plans were approved by Somerset Council in December.

The site housed Taunton Motor Company's Volvo franchise until 2018. (Image: Newsquest)

A statement with Enterprise's application said: “The proposals involve the renovation and alterations to the existing garage building into a car rental premises and office.

“The main changes to the existing building include new windows, doors and roller shutters.”

There will also be an external wash bay canopy and equipment shed in a structurally independent structures to the rear of the existing building.

How the then-dilapidated site looked in October 2020. (Image: Google Street View)

The statement added: "The wash bay canopy and equipment stores will be constructed out of lightweight metal frames which will be mechanically fixed into the existing concrete hardstanding.

"The metal frame will be clad in a corrugated metal cladding like many industrial buildings in the area.

"The finished floor levels and ground levels of access of the existing garage will remain unchanged in the proposals, except for the wash bay drainage area which will have a concrete hardstanding laid a fall for the gully drain.

"The drainage for the wash bay will fall into a gully which will connect into the existing drainage network of the existing garages."

There will be 31 car parking spaces.

The former showroom could also get a new lease of life under separate approved plans. (Image: Newsquest)

Outside of opening hours, removable security bollards and hoop barriers will protect the rear of the site from being accessed late at night.

Separate plans to turn the former Volvo showroom (31-39 Priory Bridge Road) into a business selling motor parts were approved in January.

James Holyday, of Tauntfield Ltd, had sought permission to repurpose the building for the sale, fitting an storage of exhausts, tyre, brakes and batteries.

It will also be used for the servicing, repairs and sale of vehicles and MOT tests.