Shell reveals demolition plans for Pennington petrol station site

A BUSY petrol station on the edge of Lymington could be demolished and replaced with a modern facility under plans submitted to New Forest District Council.

Shell has applied to transform its garage at Pennington Cross, near the roundabout on the main A337 Milford Road in Pennington, which it says is in need of an upgrade.

It wants to demolish all the buildings on the site, including the former Thorp Motors car sales premises next door.

As reported in the A&T, the car sales business closed in February after owner Anthony Thorp, who had run it for 20 years, was told his lease would not be renewed.

The application states the redevelopment would include a new sales building with an ATM, office and store, as well as 14 parking spaces.

The underground petrol tanks would be removed and new ones installed to meet environmental standards. New jet washing equipment would also be put in.

Although the application stated the redevelopment would create new jobs, it does not specify how many.

It added: “The positioning of the new sales building will bring overall improvements to the site layout. The design of the replacement sales building reflects the existing use of the site as a petrol station, whilst creating an attractive shopfront of a high quality with inviting interior.

“While the fuel stations and canopy will be broadly in the same position, the sales building will move further in to the site, towards the south boundary. While access and egress will not change overall, it is expected there will be an improvement in the vehicular circulation across the site.”

The application has attracted one letter of objection, saying: “My property backs on to this site. I have had continuing issues with waste being blown into my garden – plastic gloves, paper towels, food wrappers – for much of this year. A potential health hazard with Covid-19.

“There is also considerable noise from the jet washers closest to my home and loud speakers from the shop area. Sitting in the garden is an unpleasant experience when vehicles are being washed in the open air.

“I am also concerned with the safety aspect of fuel being so close to a residential area.”

The consultation period ends on 30th October and NFDC is expected to make a decision by 19th November.