Petrol station application for East Riding village of Bishop Burton refused over fears it could threaten 'lifeline' local shops

Plans for a new petrol station in Bishop Burton have been refused by East Riding councillors.
Killingwoldgraves LaneKillingwoldgraves Lane
Killingwoldgraves Lane

East Riding Council’s Eastern Area Planning Sub-Committee refused plans for the station on the site of a factory on Killingwoldgraves Lane which burned down in 2009.

Developers Lovel Capital Projects’ agent Jason Tait told councillors that lighting would be changed to avoid disturbing nearby farms and its planned 187-sq.m shop was not “substantially different” to the approved 160-sq.m.

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But objector Mark Hoddinott told the committee the 24-hour station could become a shopping destination, threatening village stores which were a “life saver” for residents during the coronavirus pandemic.

Coun Bernard Gateshill, of Beverley Rural ward which covers the site, said the total retail area would be 54-sq.m larger when a planned coffee and food concession was also included.

Plans for the station include 16 parking spaces, two electric vehicle charging points, the shop selling food, drink, newspapers and similar items, as well as up to eight petrol pumps.

The committee heard an appeal lodged against its previous refusal of the reserve matters application, covering details of the site, remained ongoing.

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Council officers and public bodies consulted on the application raised no objections but Bishop Burton Parish Council called for it to be refused over the competition to local shops.

Mr Tait said the developer was aware that some were still trying to “resist” the application despite it having outline, or initial, approval.

The agent said: “The shop features back of house facilities including toilets, counter space and a coffee concession, it is not substantially different to the one already approved.

“Landscaping has been increased substantially for the nearby farm, a clear recommendation from council officers to approve the application remains.

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“Highways officers have not raised objections and none have been received from those in conservation or other consultees.”

Mr Hoddinott said the station’s impact on nearby shops could not be “overstated”.

The objector said: “Shops in villages close to the site take passing trade, as well as serving the local community and students at the nearby Bishop Burton College.

“During the pandemic shops took orders from local residents who could not leave their homes because they were shielding or self-isolating. If the shops close then so will the post office, other facilities will also be lost.

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“The station’s shop would be open 24 hours a day, restrictions should be applied to its hours if this is approved.”

Coun Gateshill said the previous reserve matters application had been refused in April in part because the shop building was “too big”.

The ward member said: “The plans are an attempt to divide the shop area into two and pretend one is a shop and one isn’t. The issue isn’t the principle of a shop, it’s the scale.”

Committee member Coun Denis Healy said he felt competition was not an issue as villagers would continue to use their local shops if they wanted to support them.

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Coun Healy said: “This isn’t a destination shop, it’s a passing trade shop. I would have thought if someone lived in one of the villages they would prefer to walk to their local shops, I don’t see why something a car drive away would detract from that.”

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