Whitchurch driving test centre planning application welcomed

Whitchurch Civic Centre

Shropshire Council’s deputy Leader has welcomed the DVSA’s submission of a planning application for a new driving test centre at Whitchurch Civic Centre – and is encouraging people to submit comments as part of the planning consultation.

It follows the closure of the former centre last year, and a council campaign to retain a driving test centre in Whitchurch.

The planning application can be seen on Shropshire Council’s online planning register.

Ian Nellins, deputy Leader of Shropshire Council, said:

“We welcome this development, as we have been lobbying the DVSA and the Department for Transport to keep a driving test centre in Whitchurch since plans were announced to close the former centre.

“Retaining a test centre in the town will prevent residents of the central and north east areas of north Shropshire having to take driving tests in other towns, some potentially in other county areas, which isn’t in the best interest of local learner drivers or the driving instructors who serve the local area.

“It will benefit our residents and our businesses, especially our base of well-regarded driving instructors, and will help to retain our base of talented young people in Whitchurch and the surrounding area,  helping them into local employment and setting them up for success in life.

“While we welcome this proposal, it’s important to note that these plans still have to go through the formal planning process before a decision is made, and we encourage people to submit their comments as part of the planning consultation.”