Re-developed Groves Nursery could be gateway landmark if plans get the go-ahead

Bridport Town Councillors heard about the half million pound expansion plans from Charlie Groves at this month’s planning committee meeting.

Mr Groves said the nursery was one of the first things people see when they come into town and they wanted to make the site more attractive and give a better impression of the area.

He said: “Groves is proud to be a West Dorset business through and through, established in 1866 in Piddletrenthide. My grandfather purchased the current site, which was home to the Bridport Football Club, in the 1960s.”

Since then Groves had become a all-year-round employer, he said, which was important in an area reliant on the tourist industries.

He said the five-year refurbishment plan would improve access to the site, make for a better shopping experience and be a way of combatting competition from rivals.

Parking would be better designed and spaces would increase from 61 to 122.

Coun Ros Kayes said Groves was one of the principle employers and drew people into the area from near and far.

Committee chairman Sarah Williams said hopefully it would create more jobs in the future.