A plan to allow a petrol station to open around the clock was approved in spite of opposition from councillors and residents.

A proposal to turn Kearsley Service Station into a 24-hour operation was submitted to the council more than two years ago.

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 was referred to the planning committee.

By the time of the planning committee on December 8, the scale of opposition rose to more than 60 comments from residents.

Their concerns were summarised by Cllr Paul Heslop, of Kearsley Ward, who addressed the committee, and supported by colleagues Cllr Debbie Newall and Cllr Tracey Wilkinson, who are members on the committee.

Cllr Heslop said: "To receive representations from virtually one third of residents is testament to the sentiment of those living in the vicinity of the petrol station."

Concerns revolved around 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.

Comments also covered other issues such as traffic, in particular HGVs from the M60, as well as air, light and noise pollution.

But the applicant argued there will be a reduction in anti-social behaviour and crime and agreed there will be conditions to tackle other issues.

Their arguments were accepted by most of the members on the committee.

Cllr Andrew Morgan, who represents Heaton and Lostock, said: "The assumption should be there are no issues. If issues come up, we use our enforcement process to get on it straight away.

"Knowing we've got the backstop, I'm inclined to support the application."

After a vote, the 12-month trial was approved. The permanent removal of opening restrictions is subject to another application in a year's time.