A Kilmarnock petrol station that was turned into a car wash is set to become a fuel stop once again.
The Grange Service Station was the subject of a planning application to change its use from a filling station to car wash in 2018.
Now, Grove Retail Ltd’s plans to reverse the move have been given the green light, despite objections around the hours of operation, noise and littering.
This proposal seeks to redevelop the existing car wash facility on Irvine Road, Kilmarnock into a petrol filling station with ancillary shop, electric vehicle charging points, laundry and jet wash with parking bays.
The proposal will effectively clear the site, removing all the buildings/structures associated with the car wash and former petrol station.
The proposed development will include a new ancillary shop at the western end of the site, petrol pumps and canopy located centrally within the site along with the provision of a laundry unit, jet wash, air pump, vacuum station and electric charging point within the site.
In a supporting statement the applicant writes: “The proposal is to regenerate a prominent vacant commercial site and bring new commercial use and business to the existing commercial site and provide an improved neighbourhood convenience services for fuel, electric vehicle charging, laundry and jet washing.
“The proposed development will retain the existing office building, to be extended to form a new improved customer entrance and sales area. The new additional floorspace of 71 sq m will enable the repurposed building to set out a shop sales area.”
The petrol station will feature six pumps, a forecourt canopy, jet wash bay and two EV charge points.
The existing office building will be removed. A new ancillary shop is to be sited on the east side of the property.
The applicant says that up to four full-time and four part time jobs will be created and that the station will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The EV chargers would be rapid 150kW units, capable of fully charging a vehicle in an average time of around 40 minutes.
In their report planners state: “Having regard to the proposals, it can be concluded that the key benefits of this proposal:
- Regenerates a vacant commercial premises on a prominent road frontage, which is future proofed for a fair and just transition.
- Will encourage uptake of active transport methods on foot or cycle by local residents using the shop
- Will provide four full time and four part time new jobs
- Will not harm the viability or vitality of the Kilmarnock town centre owing to the specific function and service on offer owning to the proportionately small scale shop offering proposed.
- Is intended to provide ancillary convenience to fuel customers and residents within a reasonable walking distance.
The applicant has agreed revised operation times, with 24 hour opening, but only via secure counter from 9pm. The laundry and jet wash would operate 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 7pm on weekends and public holidays.
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