DRIVING tests in Whitchurch could be saved after a planning application to hold them at the Civic Centre was submitted to Shropshire Council. 

The Driver Vehicle and Standards Agency (DVSA) applied to Shropshire Council to change the use of two rooms to accommodate driving tests in the Civic Centre were submitted on Tuesday, January 17.

Whitchurch has been without a driving test centre since the former facility in Dodington closed down in 2022 and pupils have been forced to take tests in other towns, such as Crewe and Wrexham.

A design and access statement was provided by real estate company Cushman & Wakefield.

The statement said: "On behalf of the DVSA, Cushman & Wakefield is instructed to submit a planning application to allow the use of space at Whitchurch Civic Centre in High Street, Whitchurch, for a driving test centre.

"The rooms allocated to DVSA are interview rooms one and two and will be used as an office by driving instructors only and not available to the public.

"Whitchurch Driving Test Centre (DTC) closed in April 2022 and the proposed centre in the Civic Centre will replace this facility."

The statement added: "Space is required by DVSA to meet local need for driving tests and government objective to reduce driving test waiting times.

"The proposed use will ensure the DVSA are able to continue to provide testing services to meet demand in the local area."

The statement concluded: "The Covid-19 pandemic and multiple extended lockdown periods have resulted in unprecedented demand and wait times for tests.

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"The proposed test centre in the  Civic Centre has the capacity to offer tests to meet local demand and support the local area.

"The centre will employ two permanent driving instructors.

"Car parking spaces are provided.

"The impact of vehicle movements on the highway network will be minimal.

"There are no immediate residential neighbours and the use will not result in any impact on residential amenities.

"The proposed facility makes efficient use of land and will provide local employment.

"The proposed facility within the area will help DVSA to meet local and national demand for vehicle licence tests."

The announcement has been welcomed by Whitchurch Town Council.

Mike McDonald, town clerk, said: "We are delighted after the generous offer by Whitchurch Town Council to house the Whitchurch driving test service in the Civic Centre.

"We thank a number of people for all their hard work behind the scenes since the existing centre closed. 

"This proposal seems to be gaining momentum with the submission of the planning application by the DVSA.

"We would encourage residents to support the move by making a comment on the Shropshire Council planning portal by using the link given or by searching for planning application 23/00187/COU.

"We are mindful of the difficulties that this has caused for everyone concerned and hope for more positive news in the near future."