A petrol station and car wash could become a sales lot if planners agree.

Adur District Council has received an application to change the use of the BP garage in Upper Shoreham Road, Shoreham.

It would be used to display 122 cars for sale and would include 12 parking spaces for customers and staff.

The site would be open from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

West Sussex Trading Standards' petroleum officer is concerned that petrol tanks buried under the forecourt should be decommissioned properly.

But the Environment Agency said it will not object as long as the site is decontaminated in accordance with guidelines.

The council has received two letters from nearby residents raising concerns.

One does not object in principle but says cars for sale should not be parked on a nearby grass verge and the number of vehicles displayed should be limited.

The other fears the number of vehicles on site could cause visibility problems for people entering and leaving from the main road.

The planning committee is being recommended to approve change of use when it meets on Tuesday.

Wednesday, April 26, 2006