An eyesore in a village near Lichfield is set to disappear after a new development was given the green light.
Villagers in Barton-under-Needwood will see the derelict filling station on the corner of Crowberry Lane disappear after 15 years following the news that the Midlands Co-operative Society will be building a new store on the land.
Following an agreement, signed this week with Barton Parish Council, the capacity of the public car park next to the recently extended Village Hall will be enlarged by Midlands Co-operative Society to create a total of more 60 parking spaces.
Adrian Wedgwood, chairman of Barton under Needwood Parish Council, said:
“We’re delighted to be working with Midlands Co-operative Society to deliver this major improvement to the centre of our historic and vibrant community and are looking forward to work starting on the car parks within the next few months.
“This is a Red Letter Day for Barton and much of the credit must go to Cllrs Vic Trigwell and David Sherratt who have worked to ensure that, at little cost to the village, the parking provision for our thriving business community, shoppers and Village Hall users is being improved.”
Midlands Co-operative Society have said that they are keen to remove the derelict building as soon as possible.
Martyn Cheatle, the company’s chief executive, said:
“This is an exciting project and as there’s much anticipation about the new store we hope to start work on the demolition of the site very soon. Once complete the new store and extended car park will not only provide a much-improved shopping experience for villagers but provide a far more aesthetically pleasing landscape.”