Asda lodges plans for new convenience at Cheshire filling station

Supermarket giant wants to knock down its current facilities and build a new retail unit

Retail giant Asda has submitted plans for a new convenience store and filling station in Widnes. The scheme would see bulldozers move in on the supermarket chain’s existing petrol station on Lunts Heath Road, with the site then becoming home to a new purpose built retail unit.

The site is currently occupied by an Asda Express petrol station and MOT garage. But the new scheme would see them demolished and replaced with a new retail unit measuring just under 400sqm. Vehicle access would be via the existing entrance and exit, with petrol pump islands positioned on site. It would have 12 car parking spaces and cycle spaces.

A planning application submitted in support of the scheme, said: “The proposal will upgrade the existing site, replacing the current MOT garage and petrol filling station facilities with a modern convenience retail building and associated improvements, thereby providing an enhanced level of amenity to the land off Lunts Heath Road.”

It said the design of the site had been ‘carefully considered’ to maximise space. It added: “The proposed buildings represent a high quality, modern clean aesthetic. Principles of sustainability have been incorporated including safe pedestrian access and site planting.”

It concluded: “On balance we consider that the development would not give rise to any unacceptable consequences for the environment, community or other public interest and will contribute positively to the local area.” The company has opened dozens of Asda Express sites across the country following its acquisition of 469 convenience and fuel sites acquired from The Co-op and EG Group.

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