Minimaspace Architecture, on behalf of applicant Hilltop Motors Ltd, has put forward proposals for a new car dealership on the land to the north west of Manor Way, Rainham.
This site would include the display of vehicles for sale, a portable reception or canteen cabin and a covered car wash near the railway.
An empty office building on the site is proposed to be kept for administrative use.
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According to the planning statement, the dealership functions “primarily online”, with vehicles stored onsite but sold via digital platforms.
The proposed site would therefore “not function as a traditional high-footfall retail showroom”, Minimaspace states, but instead only facilitate “occasional” customer visits for viewing or collection.
There will also be no mechanical serving or repair works carried out at the dealership, and “modest” signage.
The land – which extends to more than 19,000 sq m – was once used for storage and distribution by neighbouring business Rainham Steel, according to the planning statement.
It added that the new development is expected to create 50 full time jobs, with “potential for growth”.
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The statement said: “The new use is low-impact, employment-generating, and entirely appropriate for this industrial location.
“It will bring a currently unused site back into positive economic use while respecting the surrounding environment and infrastructure.”
Havering Council is expected to make a decision on the plans by October 3.
