Essex Service Centre at 57 Butts Green Road submitted a planning application to Havering Council in April seeking a rear extension, alterations to the roof and an upgrade to an MOT test centre.
On August 5, these plans were given the green light.
Happy Singh, owner of Essex Service Centre, brought his business to Hornchurch at the start of this year and told the Recorder that he has the local community to thank.
Happy moved Essex Service Centre to Hornchurch earlier this year (Image: Happy Singh) He said: “I’d like to thank everyone in the local community for giving me the permission to operate and not going against me.
“I will serve this community and make them proud.
“I’m not sure many people around here can do that – we’re here to fully serve the community.”
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In the decision conditions, Havering Council said the development must begin within three years from August 5 and must not be carried out in any other way than in accordance with the approved plans.
All external doors have been ordered to remain closed during the operation of the MOT centre in order to protect local residents from noise.
“We’re going to give it a good go and I hope we can make everyone smile.
“Within two to three months we should be up and running with the MOT centre.
“We will be doing motorbikes, cars, vans – the whole lot.”
The use of the site as an MOT centre will only be allowed between 8am and 6pm from Mondays to Fridays and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.
The MOT centre will not open at any time on Sundays or bank or public holidays.
According to a planning document, the garage has eight parking spaces at the rear of the site and the extension will not impact this.
Happy previously told the Recorder: “We’ve got a parking facility so the vehicles won’t be causing any traffic on the road and it will be an appointment service only.
“On the MOT side of things our main concern is to make sure the public’s cars are safe to drive on the road.”
