TOWNHOUSES are to be built on the site of a long-established family-run motor vehicle workshop.

The sale marks the end of the century-long family ownership of premises and land at 4 East Street, Titchfield.

Planning permission has been granted for the demolition of the 3,390 sq ft property, located on 0.13 acres, and the development of three townhouses.

In honour of the name of the family who owned the business since 1926, when founder Edward Upshall began by repairing bicycles, radios and tractors, the developer is looking to call the brownfield scheme Upshall.

New owner Driftstone Homes, a housebuilder headquartered in Fareham, will construct the townhouses once demolition is completed.

The site was sold through commercial property consultancy Hughes Ellard.

Russell Mogridge, a director at Hughes Ellard, said: “This was a unique opportunity to purchase a rare site with fast road connections to Fareham town centre, Whiteley, home to the largest business park in the region, and the M27 corridor for Southampton and Portsmouth.”

“Everyone involved in the deal acted to the letter and it will be great to see high-quality homes built in this lovely village.”

Phill Upshall, a family representative, said: “Whilst this is the end of a century-long era for the Upshall family, it will be a new one for families moving into much-needed townhouses.

“We are grateful to Russell at Hughes Ellard for sourcing a buyer and taking away the stress that can come with selling land and property.”

The premises has been used as a vehicle workshop since the 1960s

Jason Osborn, Driftstone’s land buyer, said: “We are always actively seeking land for development for between three to 30 units in Hampshire and, through Hughes Ellard, became aware that the owners of 4 East Street were looking to sell.

“In honour of the Upshalls’ links, we are looking to name the development after the family.”