THE FINAL car to drive off the forecourt of Saddleworth’s last petrol station will still take place despite the hand brake being applied to re-development of the site.
Ian Croxon, proprietor of Ian’s Car Sales at Scouthead Filling Station, had expected to leave the Huddersfield Road premises at the end of last month.
He has now received extra time to re-locate his long-standing business, potentially to new premises in bottom Mossley.
The Asim Group acquired planning permission in March 2015 to demolish the petrol station and build nine houses and a shop.
It is now understood the land has been acquired by a Saddleworth businessman who could submit revised plans.
Saddleworth has been dry since fuel sales halted last October and former tenant, Jamal Qureshi, reluctantly moved on.
Mr Croxon continued to trade but despite this late stay of execution he too will soon be leaving.
“I was set to go in February but now it could be another month, possibly two,” he said.
“I have been here since 2003 so it will be a sad day. I still get motorists coming in thinking they can buy petrol which is why I closed the gate across one of the entrances.
“One bloke asked to borrow a can to fill up and set off walking down the hill to Lees.
“If people don’t know there aren’t any garages in Saddleworth and they set off towards Huddersfield, they’re stuffed!
“Fortunately, I wasn’t affected too much after the petrol went because I have a lot of repeat customers and built up a good reputation. That’s why I want to stay in the area.”
Initial re-development plans for the site were withdrawn in May 2014 before being re-submitted and approved 10 months later.
The current application, for which Saddleworth Parish Council recommended approval, is to build two 2-bed and seven 3-bed dwellings in natural stone and slate in two blocks.
The main access would be via Huddersfield Road with two more on Higher Turf Lane.
However, conditions include investigations into possible landfill gas risk and contamination of the site.
And no demolition work can take place in any one year between March 1 and August 31 unless a “detailed bird nest survey by a suitably experienced ecologist” is undertaken immediately prior to demolition.
At the time of going to press Oldham Council’s website shows the last documentation was received in January 2015.
can anyone tell me if ian croxon car sales has been re allocated now,and if so where to.