Asda petrol plan fuels lively debate

Asda store in Shaw set to apply for planning permission for a petrol station

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

PLANS for a petrol station at Shaw's Asda superstore are expected to be submitted in the coming weeks.

Asda have confirmed they are currently preparing plans to add a filling station at their store on Greenfield Lane after rumours of the proposals circulated on social media.

Shaw and Crompton's local councillors have met with representatives from the superstore to discuss the proposals, which have been met with a mixed response by the public so far.

Councillor Chris Gloster, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Shaw, said: "At the moment I am 50-50 on the proposals.

"I would like to see another petrol station open in Shaw to increase market competition in the area and give residents more choice as there is currently only one option in the area.

"However I have concerns about putting a petrol station in that area.

"At peak times, the car park is full and under the proposals it is set to lose 25 spaces - potentially more if the recycling area needs to be relocated.

"This could lead to traffic congestion in the area as people queue for petrol or to get into the car park."

He added that he is also concerned about the potential health effects that residents living opposite the proposed petrol station site on Greenfield Lane would experience.

Consultation

An Asda spokesman said: "We're currently preparing plans for a proposed petrol filling station at our store on Greenfield Lane. A planning application is expected to be submitted in due course.

"We were grateful for the recent opportunity to meet with ward councillors and Shaw & Crompton Parish Council where we discussed the proposals and provided clarity on several points. We'll be holding public consultation events in the near future and will be writing to residents and publicising details of these in due course."

The proposals have also received a mixed response from Shaw residents on social media.

Diane Hilton said: "The car park there is too small as it is."

Laura Leaflets Selby said: "For once I'm not going to object to a planning proposal.

"You currently can't get petrol as you leave Shaw, you have to come back on yourself, then leave again.

"Holds me up all the time, so may possibly actually help with the traffic! I'd say give this one a chance."

Craig Hampson said: "It's a petrol station not a nightclub. It will force the fuel prices down at the only other station in Shaw. Bring it on, there are worse things that could be built."

Samantha Jelly Panther said: "It's a good plan as the spaces over that part of the car park are hardly ever used. I'm sick of driving to Chadderton for cheaper fuel."

Andy Cooper said: "It seems a bit pointless. It will put the petrol station on Crompton Way out of business and then all the traffic will end up in Asda car park."