A SUPERMARKET has appealed against a council’s refusal to give permission for a new petrol station.

Asda in Rawtenstall is challenging Rossendale Borough Council’s decision to block the plans at its store in St Mary's Way.

Rossendale Council’s reasons for refusal included the site being too close to houses on Holly Mount Way and the Grade II listed building Holly Mount House.

However, Asda contended that the site would not harm either the conservation area, or Holly Mount House with the new plan and it was in keeping with the town centre.

The statement read: “The reality is that the store functions as part of the town centre which is confirmed by the Local Planning Authority’s decision to include the site within the boundary of the town centre in the emerging plan that has recently been subject to a consultation on the pre-submission public stage of the plan.”

The statement also made clear that houses near the appeal site were not directly level with it and will not be affected.

Asda’s statement read: “The closest residential premises to the appeal site are located approximately 40m to the north west and north of the appeal site, along Haslingden Old Road.

"These properties are however shielded from the appeal site by way of a steep level change and mature vegetation including trees that will remain as part of the proposal.”

David Gould from the Rawtenstall’s Chamber of Commerce said: “We feel that there are traffic issues already on the site.

"During busy periods it is congested, and the road is gridlocked.

“For the proposed petrol station, you would have to go up a ramp and we are aware of the difficulty this would pose to residents.”

Mr Gould suggested that the supermarket look at another location on the site.