As uncertainty prevails over the site's future use, planners in Stroud have stepped in to protect a group of trees at a former car dealership close to the town's centre.

The move, to issue tree preservation orders on several trees off London Road, comes amid speculation for the future of the site formerly occupied by Bristol Street Motors (BSM).

BSM Ford closed last June after a shock announcement that the site would be shuttered after more than 60 years of operation. Up until 2015, it had also sold fuel from its forecourt but concentrated solely on new and used sales after that date.

Owned since 2007 by the Vertu Motors Group, BSM now has more than 190 franchised and non-franchised dealerships across the UK, having added ten in the last six months. The closure and BSM's withdrawal from Stroud came as a shock to staff, who were offered options for work elsewhere, including at BSM's Ford Gloucester operation, near Hempstead.

The tree preservation order, now pending consideration, effectively shields domestic housing to the south east of the site. Protected specimens include a large horse chestnut.

Stroud saw another retail automotive loss last autumn when, immediately opposite the former Ford garage, Thompson First MG also closed down.

John Hawkins, boss of Stroud commercial lettings agency Hawkins Watton, took on the marketing of the 6,160 square foot site and it is currently offered for rent at an annual fee of £70,000, while an option to buy is also available.

Mr Hawkins confirmed at the time that the Bowbridge site, with a showroom area of 4,400 square feet, had existing planning permission for houses.

● As yet, it remains unknown whether the BSM site will be marketed for commercial use or become a site for potential change of use for home construction. Punchline-Gloucester.com has approached Vertu Motors Group for comment.