PLANS to turn a former Chester-le-Street pub into a petrol station and adjoining shop has prompted angry opposition from residents of the town that have called on developers to “scrap the proposals”.

Earlier this month, ambitious plans to turn the site of the old Falcon Pub on Pelton Lane, South Pelaw, into a Spar shop and linked petrol station were submitted to Durham County Council.

As part of the project, the applicant, who is just known as Mr Rezaei on the planning documents, wants to make the site into a modern petrol filling station, with local convenience store, pump islands, canopy and two new site accesses, which will operate from 6am until 11pm.  

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Despite wanting to make use of the land, which had the pub demolished in 2020, and create the facilities, which proposes 12 parking spaces and opportunities for 14 employment opportunities, the scheme has faced numerous objections from those that live nearby.

Since the application was submitted at the start of December, near to 100 objections have been received by Durham County Council via the online planning portal.

The reasons given for objection range from safety, protection of children, environmental impact and how vehicles could impact the residential amenity around the proposed petrol station.

The Northern Echo: The petrol station proposals includes eight pumps, 12 car park spaces and the potential for 14 employment opportunities.The petrol station proposals includes eight pumps, 12 car park spaces and the potential for 14 employment opportunities.

One resident who lives near to the Pelton Lane site, Mrs Jill Adamson, wrote on the planning portal: “I would like to object to the proposal of a fuel station in the former Falcon site. The nearby primary school is my main concern.

"This road and estate are busy enough during school runs without adding to the traffic whilst children are trying to get to school.

"Children going to Park View school wait for their buses on the opposite side of the road, and many children from the estate walk to school this way. It is a disaster waiting to happen!”

The Northern Echo: The site in South Pelaw, Chester-le-Street, used to be home to The Falcon pub.The site in South Pelaw, Chester-le-Street, used to be home to The Falcon pub.

Another resident, who has only just bought a property in Chester-le-Street only purchased the property because they believed that the site would be used for bungalows; an application that was passed by Durham County Council in 2020.

However, after learning that the owners of the site had “changed directions,” they claim to have “reservations” about buying the property in County Durham.

The resident, Mr Christopher Hall, wrote on the planning portal: “I have only just purchased my home. I did so on the knowledge that bungalows were to be built on the area. I wouldn't have continued with purchasing my home if I knew about this. I absolutely object to this proposal.”

The Northern Echo: As well as resident complaints, Cllr Tracie Smith, representative of Chester-le-Street North, has also objected to the petrol station.As well as resident complaints, Cllr Tracie Smith, representative of Chester-le-Street North, has also objected to the petrol station.

It’s not just residents who have objected to the petrol station plans.

Cllr Tracie Smith, who represents the Chester-le-Street North ward, has expressed her reservations for the facility in South Pelaw.

Writing on the planning portal, Cllr Smith said: “Since I was informed about the planning application for a fuel filling station and convenience store, I have spent the last seven days listening to what residents have got to say on this matter.

“As the elected member of Chester-le-Street North ward, my view on this proposed development is what people tell me.

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“I have had a significant amount of people read my Facebook post, emails sent to me directly, and I have door knocked on numerous homes and have also been stopped by residents in the street.

“The overwhelming view is that there is need for me to strongly object to this proposed development for congestion, risk of collision and impact on residents.”

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