PLANS to turn a petrol station in Malpas into a new convenience store have been approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC).

The petrol station, in Old Hall Road, has been empty since it closed around a decade ago, but could soon have a new lease of life as a Co-op.

In the last 10 years, various applications were submitted for the site to move it towards reopening as a convenience store, including a change of use, site plans and for the demolition of existing buildings.

The Co-op say the purpose of the proposed development is to modernise their existing offer in Malpas and the proposals will enable them to "better meet these needs via a modern store that will provide additional retail sales floorspace."

As a result of the proposed development, the existing Co-op store in High Street will be closed.

Co-op say this store is of a' dated and increasingly uneconomical format', that provides 'a poor customer experience due to its size and layout, with cramped aisles and limited circulation space'.

Although the application has been approved, a number of conditions have been applied, most notably requiring the decontamination of the site.

In her approval letter, Fiona Hore, chief planning officer for CWAC, said the reasoning behind this condition was 'to ensure the development does not contribute to, or is not put at unacceptable risk from unacceptable levels of water pollution and to protect the underlying secondary B aquifer'.

She added that if during development works a new pollutant is found, all works should cease and a new decontamination strategy should be implemented.

Other conditions for the site include the implementation of a dust control scheme before building works get underway, along with full details of the movements of construction vehicles for the development, temporary diversions, times and days of large vehicle movements, suitable off-road parking for all construction vehicles and vehicle cleaning facilities.

Planning was also approved on the proviso that works begin within three years and that an electric car charging port is included for every 10 parking spaces.