A PLANNING application has been submitted to demolish a garage gutted by arsonists and erect a small retail centre in its place.
Weston Grove Service Station, Upton, was wrecked by fire two years ago causing an estimated £200,000 damage.
Now an application has been lodged to create four stores within a single building, associated car parking and servicing.
An accompanying document argues the single-storey scheme will be ‘wholly appropriate’ within the context of a suburban shopping centre.
It will lead to benefits for the area including 16 additional parking, including two disabled spaces, and street-scene improvements. There will be a cash machine and security measures such as bollards and CCTV.
It is anticipated the four retail units will employ a greater number of staff than the previous use as a garage and will serve the local community reducing the need for travel.
The April 2008 blaze destroyed the garage and four customers’ cars. Two unidentified people were seen running away at the time.
Investigators found a petrol-soaked rag and a plastic petrol cap.
