It was only a couple of months ago that EG On The Move opened its 150th filling station, and with the firm targeting a portfolio of 400 forecourts within six years, the regular release of plans for new-to-industry sites is to be expected.
The firm’s latest proposed development will, should planning be granted, sit adjacent to the A698 to the south of Hartlepool, County Durham.
At present the site is a vacant plot of land characterised by three grass-covered mounds on the Queens Meadow Business Park. EG On The Move is seeking permission from Hartlepool Development Corporation to construct on the site a new petrol filling station and drive-through coffee shop, together with EV charging.
The forecourt looks set to follow the standard EGOTM formula, with a four pump-island layout and a glass-fronted and wood-panelled 5,200sq ft convenience store featuring 11 parking bays to its front.
The filling station will be set slightly back from the nearby main road, with the drive-through café facing the thoroughfare, albeit with its façade softened by existing vegetation and trees, which will remain. The café will have approximately 1,800sq ft of internal space and feature 32 parking spaces, including four EV charging bays.
There have so far been three objections to the plans. One nearby resident will not support the proposal if the forecourt is to be open 24 hours a day; one company owner based on the business park is concerned about increased traffic volumes and the loss of the grassy mounds; and the head of another business based on land adjacent to the plot in question warns exhaust fumes from vehicles using the forecourt will enter his firm’s office through its windows.
