'Poorly designed' petrol station could be built

A new petrol station could still be built in Wolverhampton despite the council ruling it was “poorly designed.”

Plans for the new development on the site of the former Newbridge service station off Tettenhall Road had been rejected by the council last year, amid concerns it would be too noisy for neighbours.

Applicant Bushbury Ltd has launched an appeal in a bid to get the decision overturned.

The application said the proposed station, car wash and shop would have created more than 20 jobs.

City of Wolverhampton Council planners said the “utilitarian” forecourt would be to the “detriment of the surrounding area.”

The shop would open between 06:00 and 23:00, with a car wash operating until 21:00 every day.

“The site lies within a local centre and on a heavily trafficked route,” a statement included with the application said. “The proposed commercial and retail roadside use is entirely appropriate within this context.

“The proposed development will give rise to in excess of 20 new employment opportunities. It is likely that the majority of these roles will be filled by members of the local community, reducing out-migration for employment and enhancing the sustainability of the area and the proposal.”

The land, next to the Newbridge pub, had been used as a petrol station before it was demolished in 2005, but the site has remained empty since.

Another application to build a petrol station at the site was refused in 2006.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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