Unattended 24-hour petrol station at Unit 431, Clean Energy PFS, Edge Lane, Liverpool

What was proposed

The application proposed an unattended 24-hour petrol station with a canopy, fuel dispensers, underground tanks, site works and soft landscaping.

“Planning application 24F/0993 proposes the development of an unattended 24-hour petrol filling station at Unit 431, Clean Energy, Edge Lane, Liverpool 13 (Old Swan West Ward), including a new canopy, fuel dispensers, underground tanks, associated site works, and a car wash enclosure.”

“The application now seeks permission to develop an unattended 24-hour petrol filling station incorporating a new canopy, fuel dispensers, underground tanks, associated site works, and soft landscaping. The previously proposed car wash enclosure has been removed and replaced with a tree and grassed area, resulting in minor layout changes and the removal of the green roof element.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The existing filling station lies beside commercial uses and residential homes, with access from the one-way lanes of Edge Lane.

“The application site is an existing filling station with an associated retail convenience store, valeting and hand wash facility located on the northern side of Edge Lane. The site is approximately 0.2 acres in size. The area surrounding the site is mixed, opposite the site is Liverpool Shopping Park and to the rear of the site is mainly residential.”

“There is a small-scale existing signage located at the site address. Edge Lane is a major road and provides a direct link between the M62 motorway and the city centre. The application site fronts Edge Lane with both entrance and egress onto the one-way traffic lanes of Edge Lane.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier proposals included a refused residential scheme and advertisement, alongside approved changes to the entrance, exit and an unattended filling station.

“02O/2757 To develop site for residential purposes following demolition of petrol filling station (outline application). Refused 06/12/2002”

“20F/1016 To make alterations to petrol station entrance and exit. Approved 01/07/2020”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The assessment considered residential amenity, design, highway safety, accessibility, other matters, climate change and biodiversity gain.

“Officer assessment Issues 1. Principle of Development 2. Residential Amenity 3. Design 4. Highway Safety 5. Accessibility 6. Other Matters 7. Climate Change and BNG 8. Summary…”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

Highways, police and fire services raised no objections, while drainage, lighting, contamination and air-quality matters were addressed through conditions or further arrangements.

“The application is supported by Transport Document HTN04 and additional information on emergency response procedures, which were submitted following concerns raised by Planning Committee Members. Highways confirm that these details are acceptable.”

“Lead Local Flood Drainage Officer No objections, subject to prior to occupation condition – states that the information provided is considered to be satisfactory for approval subject to a full drainage scheme being submitted as part of any conditions. For the avoidance of doubt the maximum Page 309”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent supported the proposal and answered questions about CCTV, monitoring, the bypass lane and external lighting; the case officer summarised it.

The final decision

The application was approved with the conditions proposed by the Director of Planning and Building Control.

“24F/0993 to develop the unattended 24-hour filling station, incorporating new canopy, fuel dispensers, underground tanks and associated site works at Unit 431, Clean Energy Petrol Filling Station, Edge Lane, Liverpool 13, be approved with Conditions as proposed by the Director of Planning and Building Control. _____”

Minutes