Homes plan for petrol station

A two-storey apartment block on a site where a service station formerly stood could be built next year if plans get the go-ahead, developers said today.

Bosses at Malamar Homes have been working with planners at Telford & Wrekin Council since February to produce a design for apartments on the former site of Dawley Service Station, on the junction of Finger Road and Hinkshay Road.

The developers said they were replacing a "longstanding landmark" and it was vital they replaced it with the right design.

They said the brownfield site would be checked for any contamination that may have occurred during the time it was used as a petrol station.

The block of 29 apartments would include 11 one-bedroomed and two two-bedroomed on the ground floor; 11 one-bedroomed and three two bedroomed flats on the first floor and two two-bedroomed penthouse apartments on the second floor.

Inquiries will be based on a first come first served basis as bosses said they "anticipate a high level of demand based upon the response in the last two weeks following the submission of the planning application".

A spokesman for Malamar homes said: "Malamar are grateful for the assistance they have received from Telford & Wrekin planners and the council in general during the design and planning application process.

"Architecturally the development will reflect the style of the surrounding homes.

"Car parking will be provided in a rear community courtyard which is approached through an electronically operated remote controlled gated entrance."

The Finger Road service station was sold in July, with its owners partly blaming the growth of supermarkets for the sale. The business had been run by Les Biggs with two other partners, who retired previously, for about 32 years.

By Kirsty Marston