A REDEVELOPMENT scheme for a disused Chester filling station has had the official go-ahead.
City planners have issued permission for the Newton Park Service Station on Brook Lane to be demolished and replaced with a ground floor convenience store with a self-contained flat above.
'This is a very good scheme architecturally,' commented Cllr Colin Bain (Lib Dem, Upton Grange) when Chester's planning board approved the scheme on a 12-0 vote.
Cllr Bain admitted, however, that he was concerned about the traffic aspects, echoing the concerns of nearby Jeswins Hair Fashions which believes the six car places included in the scheme might be impossible to drive into.
The business pointed out the car park for the nearby shops and flats is already full to capacity and raised concerns that customers for the new shop, which will be occupied by Forbuoys, will park on the double yellow lines on Brook Lane.
Planning officer Steve Lewis told councillors in a report, however, that no objections had been raised by the highway authority.
Recommending the application should be approved, Mr Lewis said the development will improve local shopping facilities.
Cllr John Boughton (Con, Christleton) described the development as 'an excellent use of the site'.
West Midlands-based property consultancy First City, on behalf of applicant Wilkcat Developments, told the council the developer is buying the filling station and also the Forbuoys convenience store and post office and Jeswins on the corner of Brook Street and Ermine Road.
Forbuoys will then move into the new purpose-built store.
'The development will enhance the visual amenity of the area and improve local retail facilities,' according to the agents.
As part of the development, the existing Forbuoys premises will be let and a cash machine will also be installed.
A city council report says permission has now been issued for the redevelopment.
