MORE than 30 jobs could be created as part of plans to redevelop an existing petrol station.

Blackburn-based firm Euro Garages wants to demolish the existing BP garage and SPAR at Colne Service Station, Burnley Road, Colne, and replace it with improved, modern facilities.

The application submitted to Pendle Council includes proposals to knock down the existing building to make way for an eight-pump filling station.

It would include a convenience retail store, car wash, three jet wash bays, plant room building and associated equipment.

The new convenience store would also have a food-to-go unit, which would be a Subway.

In total, 35 jobs would be created from the development, significantly more than the number generated from the current facility.

Tom Jeremiah, group planning and permit director at Euro Garages, said they wanted to update the popular petrol station with a ‘more contemporary’ building.

He said: “The canopy size would also be reduced to allow more natural light into the forecourt.

“These improvements will be for the benefit of road users and provide an improved convenience retail offer and associated services for local residents and businesses.”

Consent for the scheme was first granted in November 2009 and later renewed in December 2012, but was not implemented.

Euro Garages said that given the upturn in the economy since the initial consent, and in response to a growing demand for an enhanced roadside service within the wider locality, Euro Garages was now in a position to bring the scheme to fruition.

They said: “The application site is located along a main thoroughfare between Nelson and Colne and within a commercialised setting, as well as within easy reach of several residential areas, and it is considered that a redeveloped unit with improved convenience retail offering and associated services would provide a valued roadside facility while providing small top-up shopping provision for local residents and the local business community.

“The proposal would result in additional job creation for local people and represents sustainable economic development.

“Euro Garages looks forward to working proactively with the planning authority in bringing about a scheme which would enhance the existing site, promote further consumer choice in line with the NPPF and which has already been deemed acceptable on two previous occasions.”

Cllr Tony Greaves, who represents the Waterside ward on Pendle Council, said: “I have no objection to the scheme if it means replacing an old-fashioned facility with a more modern one.

“If the development is bigger and different though, this is something we’ve have to consider and look at on the Colne and District Committee.

The application comes as Euro Garages have also lodged £1.5m plans to open a petrol station and drive-through food retailer.

The firm has submitted proposals to Rossendale Council for the former Bacup Hub site in Burnley Road.

Under the bid, a five-pump petrol station able to service 10 vehicles at a time and a retail store with a drive-through would be built.