Villagers are being urged to attend a crucial planning meeting in a last-bid attempt to quash proposals for a petrol station.

People living in and around Mellor Brook in the Ribble Valley have been fighting against plans to replace the old Windmill pub on Preston New Road with a petrol station for around five years.

In the past they have been successful in denying James Hall & Co, a Preston-based business who operate as the primary wholesaler to SPAR retailers in the north of England, permission to build on the site.

However this evening (Thursday), yet another decision is to be made after a second plan was submitted to South Ribble Borough Council – after the first proposal and consequent appeal were rejected by planning chiefs.

And now campaigners against the proposal say that more than ever, they need villagers and anybody against the proposal to turn-up at the planning meeting, to be held at the Civic Centre in Leyland this evening (March 3).

Ann Wainwright, who lives in Mellor Brook and has fought tirelessly against the plans for years, said: “This application is David versus Goliath. We have lodged over 425 objections - one of the largest objections South Ribble has had for any development.

“A near identical planning application was turned down at appeal in 2018 but James Hall just sent in another application which is why we are at planning again on Thursday. 

“In the meantime, they have purposely left it [the site] to go to wreck and ruin so we would give in. This is not wanted in this village.”

And while Ann and dozens of others acknowledge that the derelict site - which was once alleged to have been the set for illegal porn films - is an eyesore, they are resolute in their belief that the land could be put to better use.

Within the proposals, James Hall & Co have outlined the intention to knock down the existing public house – which closed its doors in 2014 and replace it with a filling station complete with convenience store and EV charging points.

In an opposition document penned by residents against the proposals, concerns have also been raised about the impact a new service station could have on established businesses already in the Mellor Brook area.

Among them is the present Windmill Garage and Spar, which is located only 200m away from the new development and has been there for over 40 years – operating a SPAR for the last 16.

The document reads: “If the proposed garage is allowed this local business will close shortly after, unable to compete.”

The agenda published prior to this evening’s meeting reveals that planning officer Catherine Lewis has recommended the plan for approval, though this does not mean that any final decision has been made.

The document continues: “There are no objections from any statutory consultees including LCC Highways and the Council’s environmental health officers- with aspects raised, controlled by appropriate conditions.

“Initially, officers had concerns about the size and materials of the proposal and revised plans were submitted in June 2020. Having regard to the Inspector’s Appeal Decision Letter and the established rural settlement, officers consider that the application has now addressed these concerns.”

More than 30 residents have also spoken out in favour of the plans, among other reasons saying that the site is an eye sore and believing that the proposed development will only stand to serve the community.