Councillors are been recommended to approve amended plans for the rebuilding of a Richmond petrol station destroyed by fire.
Harvest Energy lodged fresh proposals with Richmondshire District Council for the site on Victoria Road, which was destroyed in a fire last summer, after the initial plans were criticised by local residents.
While having a petrol station on the site is viewed as crucial in the absence of another in the Swaledale, Arkengarthdale and Richmond area that opens outside of working hours, the firm’s original plan to significantly expand the fuel station and open a 24-hour convenience store was met with a wave of objections.
Residents said the new petrol station should not exceed the size of its predecessor and be more sympathetic to the surrounding Georgian conservation area, which features many listed properties.
In the revised plans, Harvest Energy has proposed that instead of having a full width roof structure between buildings, its alternative design would revert back to a forecourt canopy and keep the principle “random rubble features” which it had been asked to use.
The amended plans also do not include a provision for 24/7 opening, instead asking for permission to operate between 6am and midnight, with a later start time on Sundays.
In report for councillors, planning officer Beverley Booth said the proposed rebuilt petrol filling station would provide local facilities for the community, local businesses and tourists, supporting small scale employment and supporting the local economy.
She added: “The amended proposals would provide for a scheme that will not be harmful to the setting of nearby listed buildings and would preserve the character and appearance of this part of the Richmond Conservation Area.
“The proposals would not harm any archaeological remains. The amended proposals would provide for an electric vehicle charging point, making a small contribution to renewable energy provision.
“The proposals would not have a significant adverse impact on neighbour amenity, including outlook.”
Councillors have been recommended to approve the amended plans when they meet on April 6.
