An eyesore building next to Tarleton Bypass will finally be demolished and replaced after planners agreed to a new scheme to replace it – at the third time of trying.
Bella Homes NW Ltd has been granted planning permission to build a new fuel and EV charging station, together with an associated sales / refreshment kiosk and a new canopy on the site of the former TC Hand Car Wash, Tarleton Garage, on Southport New Road in Mere Brow, Tarleton.
The site was marketed through Smart Move Estate Agents at £795,000.
Two car parking areas will be provided totalling 12 spaces, to include 2. accessible bays and further 6 electric vehicle charging bays along the eastern boundary.
A cycle shelter with 10 spaces and 4 motorcycle spaces are also to be provided.
Bella Homes NW Ltd has been granted planning permission to build a new fuel and EV charging station, together with an associated sales / refreshment kiosk and a new canopy on the site of the former TC Hand Car Wash, Tarleton Garage, on Southport New Road in Mere Brow, Tarleton. Image by FWP ArchitectureA West Lancs District Council planning officer wrote in the planning report:
“The site is previously developed land and the proposal would secure the redevelopment of a now vacant commercial premises, in an efficient manner.
“The development would see the removal of the deteriorating canopies, café building and hardstanding from the site, which presently detract from the visual quality of the area on a busy route connecting Preston and Southport and within the Green Belt.
“One new building would be erected on the site which would have a volume less than 20% greater than the building it seeks to replace.
The former TC Hand Car Wash site in Tarleton. Photo by Christie & Co
“The two existing canopies on the site would be replaced with one new canopy on a different axis in a more central location and it is considered that the proposed structures would not impact more on the openness of the Green Belt than that of the existing structures. It is also considered that the proposed use would not have an impact on the amenity of nearby residents so as to warrant refusal of the application.”
A statement on behalf of Bella Homes NW Ltd, prepared by FWP said: “The site is currently occupied by permanently closed facilities including a petrol filling station, car wash and café / takeaway named TC’s Hand Car Wash.
“The proposal includes the demolition of the existing buildings and canopies and the erection of a new canopy over 5 proposed pumps and 1 kiosk / café building with associated parking access and landscaping.
Bella Homes NW Ltd has been granted planning permission to build a new fuel and EV charging station, together with an associated sales / refreshment kiosk and a new canopy on the site of the former TC Hand Car Wash, Tarleton Garage, on Southport New Road in Mere Brow, Tarleton. Image by FWP Architecture
“The proposal will be of appropriate scale and materiality, presenting minimal impact on the openness of the Green Belt.
“The development will be an asset to the area and improve a site that is at present very harmful to the visual amenity of this important location in the area.
“The proposal is sympathetic to the rural character of the surrounding landscape. Overall, the proposed design aims to greatly raise the aesthetic profile of the site within the area and contribute positively to its setting.
Bella Homes NW Ltd has been granted planning permission to build a new fuel and EV charging station, together with an associated sales / refreshment kiosk and a new canopy on the site of the former TC Hand Car Wash, Tarleton Garage, on Southport New Road in Mere Brow, Tarleton. Image by FWP Architecture
“The proposed use of the site is in accordance with the original use of the site as a fuel filling station and the subsequent use as a car wash / café.
“The inclusion of EV charging points within the site provides a sustainable solution to current / future travel needs and will help improve the provision of high speed charging points within the area which is presently lacking.
“The original use as a fuel filling station and latterly the car wash/café provide the established use for the site and the proposals reflect those uses and provide visual enhancement of the area which is currently in a very poor condition.
“The kiosk will have ancillary retail and a small café associated with the fuel / EV charging station.
“The proposed development maintains the site for employment purposes and a number of people would be employed within the facility. The site is vacant at present and therefore all positions created will be new jobs in the area.
“It is believed that this proposal will be a benefit to this area; capable of improving a site that is at present detrimental to the amenity of the local area; and is suitable in both its type and scale for the location proposed.”
Refused: Previous plans which were submitted to replace the derelict former TC Hand Car Wash on Southport New Road (A565) in Mere Brow with new shops, a food retail unit and a hot food takeaway. Image by FWP Architecture. West Lancs District Council refused the scheme
Two previous applications for the site had been refused by West Lancs District Council, and then on appeal.
One scheme called for four retail units, with a mix of; two non-food retail units, one food retail unit; and one hot food takeaway unit.
It was refused on 22nd March 2022 with the appeal dismissed on 4th January 2023.
Another scheme offered three retail units, one food unit and one hot food takeaway.
It was refused on 11th March 2021 with an appeal dismissed on 22nd September 2021.
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