PLANS to extend a petrol station with a new shop, signs and petrol pumps has angered some local residents.

The owner of Great Ayton Service Station says building a new two storey-shop at the site and extending its opening hours from 6am until 10pm will help safeguard the future of the facility in Great Ayton and has applied to Hambleton District Council’s planning department for approval.

The plans also involve extending the opening hours from 8am until 6.30pm to 6am until 10pm and selling alcohol, which has already been approved and adding two new pumps and illuminated signage.

But people living nearby Great Ayton Filling Station, on the corner of Guisborough Road and Newton Road in the village, say the site is on a dangerous road junction and too close to their homes.

One resident who lives next door, Pauline Taylor-Clarke, said the road was already an accident blackspot and had witnessed numerous collisions at the roundabout.

“I’m absolutely appalled,” she said.

“The roads there are so dangerous as it is. I take my life in my hands in the morning coming out of my driveway; I’m watching traffic in three directions. It’s going to be chaotic with all the extra traffic being brought to the garage.”

She added: “It’s a rural village and we don’t need those hours from 6am until 10pm. There will probably be deliveries before 6am; I’ll be waking up to noise and it will still be noisy when I go to bed.”

Another resident living close by who submitted an objection to the plans said the illuminated signage and noise from the site would keep their young children awake passed their bedtime.

The owner of the station, John Alexander, said in a submission to Hambleton District Council, that the current filing station has no long-term future without expansion.

He stated that the station had been on sale for more than three years when he bought it.

His statement read: “Since the 1970s 3 out of 4 petrol filling stations in the UK have closed. It is very unusual to have a filling station in such a rural place like Great Ayton.

“My aim is to invest and bring quality brands to Great Ayton.

“This filling station will only survive if the shop can expand in size and sell a wider range of quality products.

“As you are aware the alcohol licence has been granted which was essential for the future.

“BP fuel have also agreed a 5 year contract to supply motor fuel providing the shop plans are passed. To get BP on board is fantastic for a small rural site and something Great Ayton can be proud of. This will also enable customers to collect nectar points at the site when purchasing fuel.”

He said the filling station currently receives about 72 fuel tankers delivered per year.

Work will be carried out to the underground diesel tanks which will cut the tankers down to around 36 deliveries on current sales.

The plans are expected to be considered at Hambleton District Council’s planning committee meeting later this month.