Plans for new petrol station in East Ayrshire branded "insane and stupid"

-Credit: (Image: MacKenzie Architects/East Ayrshire Council)
-Credit: (Image: MacKenzie Architects/East Ayrshire Council)


Plans to build a petrol station on the site of a former petrol station in Mauchline have been dubbed "absolutely insane and stupid”.

The site of the former Monument Garage, which closed more than a decade ago, on the A76 Kilmarnock Road could become home to a petrol station once again.

Since its demolition, the site has remained vacant but has been used by Network Rail and developers during construction in recent years.

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Applicants TPS Recoveries Ltd now plan to create a new petrol station, shop and jetwash on the site to be known as Tower Garage.

The plans include a proposed new pedestrian crossing on the A76, as well as electric vehicle charging points and a new entrance to the private residence at Craigknowe.

At least 16 objections to the proposals have been submitted from local residents including those in Hillhead Heights which sits across the A76 from the application site.

Complaints centre around the volume of traffic which “is already horrendous” and residents fear the new petrol station could make the situation worse.

Residents in Hillhead Heights have said it is “already a nightmare to get out of the estate” and believe the development could make things “much worse”.

Adding a junction for access to the petrol station across from the entrance to Hillhead Heights was called “an absolutely insane and stupid decision” while others also felt Mauchline didn't need two petrol stations.

In total, five letters of support for the petrol station have also been submitted.

Transport Scotland has not objected to the proposals but has recommended that conditions be attached should the proposals be approved.

A number of changes to the designs have already been made following consultation with Transport Scotland including the access for tanker deliveries and the inclusion of a pedestrian crossing.

Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) has not objected to the plans as the site is on a trunk road but has said that the 30mph speed limit should be extended further out of the town on the A76.

In its response to the application, ARA said: “Again ARA recommend that Transport Scotland relocate the 30 mph gateway further out from town, this has already been stated by ARA during the residential development application process opposite the application site. This speed limit gateway has not yet been moved.”

A decision will be made on the proposal by East Ayrshire Council at a later date.

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