PLANS to demolish a shop and MOT centre at a petrol station and replace them with new facilities have been drawn up.

Proposals for Garswood Filling Station on Garswood Road have been submitted to St Helens Council for consideration.

Plans also include for the demolition of onsite storage containers and creation of a new retail unit with associated parking, new pump islands and a canopy.

A planning statement has been prepared by Urban Future Planning Consultancy Ltd on behalf of the applicant.

It states: "The application site comprises a dated PFS (petrol filling station) that provides a valuable roadside service to motorists and nearby residents, as well as a source of employment for local people.

"The applicant seeks to modernise the site’s offer and provide an enhanced retail offer and additional petrol pumps.

"On a viability point, the sale of fuel on its own is not viable. In order to make a scheme viable, PFS operations have to provide an overall offer with the primary focus on passing motorists".

The statement adds: "The proposed development will not only enhance the site’s consumer offer but will save the site from closing owing to viability issues.

"The application proposal would make effective use of the brownfield plot, would provide a much-needed road-side service whilst promoting consumer choice and generating employment for local people".

The plans are on standard consultation to the public until Wednesday, September 15.

A determination deadline has been set for October 20.