Morrisons supermarket in Southport has won planning permission to increase the size of its petrol filling station kiosk as well as creating a new EV (Electric Vehicle) charging zone.
The firm said it is “essential there is a comprehensive and competitive EV charging network in place” with Morrisons stores across the UK in the process of being upgraded.
The petrol filling station store in Southport will be increased in size from 91 sq m to 174 sq m.
The opening hours and numbers of jobs would not be affected.
The number of car parking spaces on the p;art of the site affected would be reduced from
27 to 19, to accommodate the new EV infrastructure.
It would include an EV canopy, substation, LV enclosures, four jet wash bays and associated works.
The application was submitted by Carney Sweeney on behalf of the Motor Fuel Group.
They said: “The UK has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 28% by 2035 and moving to Net Zero by 2050.
“As part of the Net Zero strategy, the UK Government has placed a new emphasis on electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the UK. As part of this drive, it is essential that there is a comprehensive and competitive EV charging network in place.
“The UK Government expects around 300,000 public chargers as a minimum by 2030 and their goal is to ensure these charge points are installed ahead of demand, inspiring confidence in drivers who have not yet made the switch.
“The latest figures show that there were 59,670 public electric vehicle charging devices installed in the UK, an increase of just 5,993 in the last quarter. At the current pace, just 161,551 would be installed by 2030, with the target of 300,000 not being met until over 7.5 years later.
“To meet the target in time, 14,137 chargers would need to be installed each quarter between now and 2030 – a 236% increase over build rate.
“Rapid charging for longer journeys located in areas such as on motorways and in remote areas will be particularly important. At present, it is understood that the uneven spread of EV charging facilities significantly hinders the take-up of electric vehicles, due to potential servicing constraints.
“En-route charging for longer journeys is deemed crucial to support the switch to EV and reduce concerns about charge ‘range anxiety’.
“MFG is the UK’s largest independent forecourt operator with over 900 sites offering a dual-fuel strategy, convenient retail and ‘food to go’.
“MFG is looking to roll-out an extensive supply of EV charging facilities at existing Morrisons sites across the UK to diversify their existing offer, with the aspiration to make it as easy to charge your vehicle as re-fuelling with petrol or diesel.
“As part of MFG’s proposals to upgrade facilities across their portfolio of Morrison petrol filling stations they are also taking the opportunity to extend the existing kiosk / shop, to provide an improved offer to visiting motorists.”
In their report, Sefton Council’s Planning officers said: “The proposal would not result in any significant harm to the living conditions of nearby residential properties and would not cause any harm to the character of the area. The proposal would result in the loss of a number of car parking spaces, however, this would not be to a significant degree.
“The proposal therefore complies with local and national policies and is recommended for approval.”
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrownn@gmail.com
