Supermaket delayed by planning red tape
FOOD group Co-operative has had to re-submit plans to demolish a petrol garage in Rhos-on-Sea - with the opening date for a new supermarket now expected to be pushed back.
Work to remove the garage facilities started earlier this year at the Llandudno Road Texaco garage and convenience store known locally as ‘Geordie’s Garage’.
But it was then discovered that the demolition permission – secured by the site vendor – did not cover all the facilities and a retrospective application has now had to be submitted.
Co-op has also submitted a fresh application to secure the change of use for the flat above the old Spar shop.
They had originally hoped to open the £750,000 store in late summer but this date has been put back to the autumn.
A spokesman said: “Planning has been approved for a rear extension and removal of the pump island.
“Plans for the removal of one pump island only were submitted by the vendor so retrospective planning was required to ensure that the re-development of the site meets with all planning requirements. In addition, the flat, also required a change of use application.
“Decommissioning a petrol filling station needs to be undertaken safety and correctly, structural engineers are on site, work is progressing, and we expect to see more of the physical work start as we approach mid-August.
“This is a large project and so we are continuing to liaise and work with Conwy Borough Council to ensure that the development meets with all planning regulations and requirements.
“It is hoped the new-look store will serve the community from this autumn.”
A Conwy council spokeswoman said: “A retrospective planning application for the demolition of the petrol station canopy and alterations to the shop unit is currently being assessed.
“We will consider and review the situation following the outcome of this application.”
A spokesman for the Co-op had previously said: “It’s a good site for us and it will be an investment of around £750,000 to develop a convenience store with a sales area of approximately 2,500sq ft.
“Extending the existing store on the site, four new jobs are expected to be created at the store.”
The garage’s closure means the loss of the only fuel station in Rhos on Sea with drivers now having to travel to Llandudno or Colwyn Bay.