Asda eyes new convenience store on site of long-established Waltham Toll Bar petrol station

                                                   

20 jobs proposed if conversion plan is rubber-stamped

A LONG-established Cleethorpes-area fuel station could make way for an Asda-owned convenience store.

Lacklustre trading at the Esso-selling garage at Waltham Toll Bar has prompted its owners, EG Group, to submit an  application for change of use.

The premises currently has modest grocery range under the Spar umbrella, but this would be substantially extended  if conversion is approved.

Says a report by agents Montagu Evans: "The proposed development will link well with permitted and planned residential development to the west and south of the site, providing a top-up shopping facility for local residents for which there is an identified need.

"EG Group are committed to a capital expenditure in excess of £2.5-million in order to decommission the existing store in order to deliver an aesthetically pleasing replacement which will enhance the street scene in a prominent location. 

"The development will also deliver three EV charging points in an accessible location to motorists."

It continues: "The proposed unit will be occupied by the new Asda on the Move format store,  stocking largely fresh and ambient items.

"It will function as a neighbourhood convenience store used for top-up shopping or food to go (i.e. consumed on the day of purchase) by the surrounding community and passing traffic. 

"It will not be of the scale to stock deep enough lines to comprise a destination in its own right or a store where a weekly shop can be undertaken. 

"Improved vehicular and pedestrian access is to be provided via Louth Road, with 14 spaces for car parking."

It concludes: "The proposed development will result in economic benefits in the form of significant job creation in the form of circa 20 positions an increase in 12 based on existing provision."

An ecological survey has not revealed the presence of any bats, but old bird nests have been founded on or around the existing buildings.

It is therefore proposed that a minimum of four nesting boxes of two different varieties should be installed.

Says the report from Clitheroe-based Bowland Ecology: "The boxes will be installed upon completion of the works. 

"Nest boxes will be positioned according to manufacturer instruction and should not be placed above window or door openings.

"They should ideally be located on quieter elevations of the building."

The application is currently under consideration by North East Lincolnshire Council planners.