A plan to allow a petrol station to open around the clock is up for approval more than two years after its submission.

The proposal to turn Kearsley Service Station into a 24-hour operation was submitted to the council in August 2020.

On the advice of officers, the plan for the petrol station on Manchester Road was turned into a 12-month trial, after which a permanent removal of opening restrictions is on the table.

But as a result of opposition in the form of 48 comments from residents, the proposal is set to be considered by the planning committee when it meets at the town hall on Thursday, December 8.

A report prepared by officers reads: "The applicant states that the reason for wanting to open 24 hours is to secure the site during night-time hours. The applicant has provided four crime reference numbers in support of this, which it is stated relate to break-ins at the premises during night-time hours. 

"It is accepted that the installation of a night worker should help to reduce the risk of break-ins," it adds.

Residents, however, envisage a rise in anti-social behaviour and crime if the petrol station, which swapped from BP to Shell since the time of the application, is allowed to open 24 hours.

Their comments also cover issues such as traffic, in particular HGVs from the M60, as well as air, light and noise pollution. But the report prepared by officers recommended the proposal for approval this week.

It reads: "It is considered that the temporary removal of the restrictions will not have an undue impact on the character of the area, the amenity of residents or the highway network and that subject to conditions the proposal accords with Bolton’s Development Plan.

"Members are therefore recommended to support the application."

The planning committee meets at the town hall.