Help us to fight to protect Grange heritage
Plans have been submitted by the landlords to demolish the long-standing Aston Martin Brentwood and Grange Brentwood facilities at 2 Brook Street and replace them with an Aldi supermarket and associated parking. Both businesses remain open and fully operational.
What is happening at Brook Street?
The landlords of the 2 Brook Street site have applied to Brentwood Borough Council for permission to demolish the existing dealership buildings and construct a retail unit, customer car park and associated works.
The proposal would remove the current home of Aston Martin Brentwood and Grange Brentwood's Jaguar and Land Rover Authorised Service operation.
The site is not vacant
Some of the application documents refer to the expiry of Grange's lease, anticipated vacancy and comments about the suitability of the buildings. For clarity, the site remains occupied and fully operational. Grange has not chosen to abandon Brentwood and is seeking to preserve a long-term future at Brook Street. The separate property position is being handled by our legal advisers.
A heritage built in Brentwood
Grange's connection with Brook Street extends across nearly seven decades. It is not simply a property address; it is the place where the Grange story began.
Founded on Brook Street
Frederick Chambers established Grange as a premium service and repair workshop with an adjoining petrol station in Brentwood.
First Jaguar partnership
Grange was awarded its first Jaguar franchise for Brentwood, marking an important step into luxury performance retailing.
Land Rover service added
Land Rover Approved Repairer status was added in Brentwood, reinforcing the strategic importance of Grange's original home market.
Two active businesses
Aston Martin Brentwood, Grange Brentwood's Jaguar and Land Rover Authorised Service operation and Grange Approved Cars continue to serve Guests from 2 Brook Street.
Why we are asking for your support
We are not opposing greater grocery choice in Brentwood or Aldi as a business. Our concern is whether this active, long-established specialist automotive site should be demolished and whether the full consequences of that change have been properly considered.
An active employment site
The Brook Street businesses support specialist automotive roles, technical expertise, servicing, parts, sales and long-standing Guest relationships.
Heritage and local identity
The site is closely connected with the history of Grange and contributes to the established character of this prominent entrance to Brentwood.
Site-specific planning impacts
Land use, design, traffic, parking, pedestrian safety, deliveries, noise, lighting, environmental effects and nearby heritage assets all require careful assessment.
How you can help
Should you share our concerns, please submit your own clear and constructive objection to Brentwood Borough Council. Personal, site-specific comments carry more weight than copied wording.
Planning matters you may consider
- Land use and the loss of an active specialist automotive and employment site.
- Design, scale, appearance and the effect on the character of the area.
- The setting of nearby heritage assets and the identity of this gateway location.
- Highway access, traffic, parking and pedestrian safety.
- Noise, deliveries, lighting, disturbance and other environmental effects.
- Whether continued occupation, adaptation or less harmful alternatives have been properly considered.
Points the Council cannot consider
- Property values or a potential loss of value.
- Competition between businesses.
- The private landlord-and-tenant or lease dispute.
- General moral objections or issues unrelated to planning.
- Anonymous comments or copied comments that do not explain your own concerns.
Please have your say by Wednesday 15 July 2026
Use your own words, quote application reference 26/00540/FUL, and focus on the material planning issues that genuinely concern you.
Brentwood Borough Council states that comments cannot be anonymous. Your name and address will be published, although your email address and telephone number will not appear. The online form has a 4,000-character limit.
Frequently asked questions
The key points for our Guests, colleagues and the wider community.
Are Aston Martin Brentwood and Grange Brentwood closing?
No. Both businesses remain open and fully operational. This page concerns a planning application affecting the site, not a closure announcement.
Has Grange decided to leave Brook Street?
No. Grange is seeking to preserve its long-term presence at Brook Street. The separate property position is being handled by professional advisers.
Is this campaign against Aldi?
No. The concern is the suitability and consequences of redeveloping this particular active and historic site, not opposition to Aldi or greater grocery choice in principle.
Should I copy a template objection?
No. Please use your own words and explain the material planning issues that genuinely concern you. Clear, personal and site-specific comments are more useful to the Council.
Where can I see the full plans?
Use Brentwood Borough Council's Public Access service and search for planning reference 26/00540/FUL, or use the application link on this page.