Marshall to free up Hitchin site for houses

  Family-owned dealer group Marshall Motor Group is looking to relocate its Hitchin business at Old Park Road in North Hertfordshire to free up the site for residential development.   The site currently represents the Vauxhall and Alfa Romeo franchises.   The owners of the site are planning to redevelop the scheme as housing, and will be submitting a planning application to North Hertfordshire council next month.   Daksh Gupta, chief executive of Marshall, said: “Any move is at least two years away, but finding a new site which is suitable for our customers and our colleagues will take time.   “We will be working closely with our brand partners and with the owners of our current site to ensure a smooth transition when we move.”   Aitchison Raffety and Brian Barber Associates have been appointed to advise on the planning application.   David Parker Architects have been appointed to draw up plans.   Marshall has 48 sites representing 21 brands, with 1,600 employees.   It opened in Hitchin when it acquired the former Lisles Motor Group in September 2007.   helen.roxburgh@estatesgazette.co.uk