A DERELICT garage in Frampton Cotterell will be turned into an MOT centre despite opposition from local residents.

People living near the site on Woodend Road had objected to plans for the new garage on the grounds that business would be too busy and there would be a dangerous increase in traffic and on-street parking.

Local resident Niall Murphy said: "I am concerned that the situation of this business in close proximity to residential properties will undoubtedly result in noise and disturbance and our enjoyment of the village."

Samantha Small, of the Spot, said: "Parking in the surrounding area in particular around school drop off and pick up is already extremely difficult and having an MOT centre will only make this situation worse."

However, South Gloucestershire Council has given the go ahead for the test centre following a meeting of the authority’s development control committee. Planning officer Jonathan Ryan said the proposal would not have an adverse impact on traffic or parking.

A small garage which used to operate on the site closed down several years ago and it has been lying dormant ever since.

David Brown, agent for applicant Mr Endicott, said the old garage would now be demolished to make way for the new MOT centre.

He added: "The site is accessed directly off Woodend Road and the existing vehicular access is to be widened to allow full access across the whole of the front of the property."