A TOWN council has backed plans for a 24 hour petrol station to be built.

Countryside Stores and Service Station in Hanley Road, Upton-Upon-Severn has been disused and a planning committee were happy with the information they have been provided for the plot to be developed.

The present retail store will be demolished, and a two storey building with convenience store at ground level and staff welfare facilities.

Underground fuel storage tanks are in good condition and will be left in situ.

A two bedroom apartment will be on site so there is someone available to manage the petrol station around the clock as pumps will be self service out of hours.

A gym will be situated on the first floor.

Councillor John Thompson said: “Plans are well presented and the artists’ impression looks better than what’s there at the moment."

Cllr Simon Yates said: “Even though its a small development, it’s very important for the area and I would like to see it go into the South Worcestershire Development Plan.

“I do have a concern as there doesn’t appear to be any extra parking on top of parking allocated to the store.”

Town mayor cllr Henrietta Ross, said: “It’s an interesting plan and it’s great to see a petrol station which will be open 24 hours a day.

“In terms of the gym, where are the changing rooms and shower facilities?

“The toilet facilities seems to be the wrong way round, with urinals in the ladies.

“In terms of disability access, the staff flat appears to be upstairs but what if someone who uses a wheelchair wants to work there how could they negotiate the stairs?”

The Planning Committee met on Tuesday, December 10 in The Council Chamber of the Memorial Hall in Upton-Upon-Severn.

Cllr Betty Williams said: “I was concerned for the flooding risk but I noticed the floor will be raised by four feet so that should be fine.

The development will now be passed to Malvern Hills District Council for approval.

Speaking after the meeting, owner Guy Warner said: “There’s been a loss of many rural petrol stations and as someone who lives in a rural area, I don’t want to be driving miles to fill up my car.”