A CAMPAIGN has been launched against plans for a petrol station and shop at the site of a former pub.

The Windmill Hotel, Preston New Road in Mellor Brook, has been vacant for six years.

Residents previously reported concerns that the derelict building was being used as a venue to film pornographic films after seeing 'lights on in the upstairs'.

There were also complaints about rat infestations at the shutdown pub.

The residents have been calling for action but are now shocked a planning application has been submitted by James Hall & Co. Ltd to build a petrol station and Spar convenience store.

While the residents want a clean up of the site, they have raised issues with the petrol station plan and believe it would be better suited to affordable housing.

John Greaves, of the Samlesbury Residents Forum, said: “We were not expecting another petrol station plan as there were three applications previously and in 2017 South Ribble Council’s planning committee refused it.

“Then it went to appeal and the planning inspector kicked it out.

“It is going to go before South Ribble Council again to see if they can get it approved.

“But we think it is dangerous. The junction of Branch Road is really bad for traffic.

“That road has a 7.5 tonne limit yet there will be 44 tonne petrol lorries there.

“Lots of people in the neighbourhood want it to be turned into housing ­and affordable housing.”

Another campaigner Dave Holroyd, who lives near the site, said: “I don’t understand when there is another Shell petrol station 100 yards down the road why they need it.

“I also have concerns about the weight limits and the added congestion and traffic it will bring. It does not make sense to me why they are trying to put another application in.

“How they are going to get the tankers down there I don’t know.

“I live opposite the site and I have five grandchildren and they play but I don’t want them to when the tankers and cars are pumping petrol.”

The design and access statement provided by Smith and Love Planning Consultants states: “Lancashire County Council engineers previously raised no objections to this layout, with visibility and impact on the surrounding network deemed to be wholly acceptable.”

It is also claimed the proposal will provide employment opportunities, as 30 jobs will be created - 15 full time and 15 part time - in addition to the short-term jobs in construction.

A spokesperson for James Hall & Co said: “Following extensive review, plans have now been submitted to South Ribble Borough Council for a new local convenience store and fuel filling station, which will transform a vacant public house, on land at Preston New Road, Mellor Brook.

"The proposed development includes a convenience store, complete with a butcher and deli counter, a fuel filling station with electric vehicle charging points, cycle parking and substantial landscaping.

"After reviewing feedback given from local residents, councillors and the Planning Inspectorate, James Hall & Co has brought forward a refreshed application that is innovative and contemporary in its design, whilst also addressing comments received in relation to noise mitigation.

"The design of the building has been carefully considered to reflect its local surroundings and showcase the vast array of local produce that would be available to residents.
“Our proposals will be in keeping with neighbouring properties and present an opportunity to develop a vacant brownfield site.”