Proposals from EG On The Move to demolish a pub and construct a new-to-sector forecourt and EV charging hub in Cheshire have met with staunch opposition, with residents and councillors raising a series of objections to the firm’s plans.
The proposed development concerns a derelict pub called the Windmill, which sits on the A556 adjacent to J19 of the M6, six miles south of Manchester.
EGOTM is seeking permission from Cheshire East Council to knock down the pub and construct a four-pump-island forecourt, complete with a huge 28-bay EV charging hub.
The firm is also proposing to build a 4,650sq ft shop with an attached 1,540sq ft drive-through coffee shop. If the company gets the go-ahead, its new forecourt will be in direct competition with an MFG operated Esso site on the other side of the road.
Local residents appear unimpressed with EGOTM’s plans, however, raising concerns about the scale of the project, the noise, pollution and traffic it will generate, and its potential to devalue nearby homes.
Cheshire East Council’s Local Flood Authority, meanwhile, has objected to the proposals saying not enough detail has been provided with regard to how pollution of water courses will be prevented from occurring.
And councillor Bryan Hartley from Knutsford Town Council has requested a detailed traffic assessment be completed due to worries that a new forecourt would cause more issues at a junction known for dangerous manoeuvres.
This is the second pub-to-petrol-station project EG On The Move has proposed in recent weeks, with a similar planning application for a site 70 miles north on the outskirts of Droitwich currently undergoing scrutiny.
