THE owners of a former petrol station on the A66 have applied for planning permission to use part of the land to store caravans.

The application for land to the rear of the Ivanhoe Petrol Filling Station on the westbound carriageway of the A66, close to the junction with Sadberge, is for a change of use for the storage of 150 touring caravans with additional hardstanding.

The site already holds a truckstop, cafe and valeting facility with lorry parking adjacent to the A66.

A report prepared for planning officers at Darlington Borough Council by the applicant notes: “It is acknowledged that the site is not located within the main urban area, however the very nature of the use dictates that customers will arrive and depart by way of private transport.

“The use of this unconstrained part brownfield site to support the rural economy and diversify existing activities at the site clearly falls in line with the presumption of favour of economic growth.”

The report also notes that views of the site are largely limited to those driving along the A66 and will be seen in the context of the existing truckstop at the site.

The application will be determined by council planning officers, who may decide it should be determined by the full planning committee.