Plans for a new petrol station to be built in Fradley have been rejected.
Developers hoped to demolish the former Bell Bridge site on the southbound A38 and build a new facility which would operate 24 hours.
A planning statement said the site had previously been used as a filling station before being closed a number of years ago.
“Bell Bridge Garage was subsequently utilised as a car wash before becoming vacant and blighted with scrap motor vehicles.
“The site is in a prominent location, yet has remained abandoned for some time.
“The applicant seeks to revive the site and bring the petrol filling station back to effective use – a use that provides a valuable roadside service, creates jobs and promotes consumer choice in the locality.”
Planning statement
But planners at Lichfield District Council have refused permission for the scheme.
A decision notice said “insufficient evidence” had been provided to demonstrate that the development would not cause detrimental or severe impacts on the road network.
Concerns were also raised over the opening hours.
“The proposed petrol station to open 24 hours, including Sundays, Bank Holidays and public holidays would unacceptably and detrimentally affect the living conditions of residents within the park homes and other nearby properties through noise and disturbance associated with the coming and goings of patrons and delivery drivers.”
Planning decision notice
Details of the proposals and the full decision notice can be seen on Lichfield District Council’s planning website.
A petrol station on a busy road will cause detrimental or severe impacts on the road network.
Multiple housing estates, that generate many thousands of extra journeys on the same road, every day. Have absolutely no impact on that road.
I fail to see any logic from the planning department.
I have long since given up trying to find any logic in planning department decisions. It does seem a strange decision from a council that claims to champion business interests. So, they are happy to see this site remain derelict and an eyesore rather than being put to an obvious use? There has been a long history of bizarre or questionable planning decisions in this area. Do these people live in the real world?
It was ok in the old days when the 38 was single carriageway but no way would I use it !!! Image turning into and getting shunted by someone doing 80 over the bridge…. No thanks
I agree Mr Leggs, travelling southbound at speed, this site cannot be seen as it’s just after the brow of the canal bridge. I used to go into the “old” garage when it was open and it was so dangerous trying to pull off the forecourt.
Should keep the current site as it is and rent it out as a set for horror movies.
The speed limit on the A38 past Fradley is 40mph in both directions, and will be for some years to come, even longer if HS2 is put on hold.
Planners yet again seem to have no idea. Reject a business idea that generates funds into the local economy saying nuisance to local people but totally ignore the public when HMO,s are given permission.
These plans are voted on by councillors who have political agenda.
I lived on jackman road when this was a garage. The accidents even then were too many to even consider opening it again as a petrol station . Far too dangerous