MAJOR upgrades to a service station in Cumbria have been given the go-ahead in a bid to ‘bring the facility up to modern-day standards’.

Westmorland and Furness Council has approved a planning application from Motor Fuel Limited to redevelop Prizet Filling Station near Kendal on the A591.

Proposals include the demolition of the existing sales building and the construction of a replacement which will include a ‘food-to-go’ facility, retail sales area, an accessible toilet, paying facilities and an ATM.

Other plans include the construction of a new canopy with four new pump islands in a ‘startergate’ arrangement which allows more vehicles to pass through while improving safety as all the pumps can be viewed by staff.

The planning, design and access statement says: “Prizet North Service Station, as proposed, will offer all the latest facilities expected by motorists and bring the facility up to modern day standards.”

An electric vehicle charging hub consisting of six electric vehicle charging bays, each with their own high-speed charger is also in plans.

Planning documents state: “The improved facilities therefore will encourage those with electric vehicles to recharge their vehicles at the site, and the new food offer in particular will provide them with somewhere to go while they are waiting.”

The existing canopy and pump islands are also proposed to be removed and in the new plans two high speed HGV pumps are proposed.

In the proposals, nine car parking spaces are also planned to regularise parking on the site and a jet wash bay is also proposed.

Planning documents state the proposals will lead to five more jobs on the site as well as further jobs through the construction of the site.

The planning, design and access statement says: “The proposal seeks to extend and upgrade the existing facility, with an improved sales building including a new ‘food-to-go’ offer, with better on-site configuration to better meet the needs of customers and staff.

“The internal environment will be significantly improved and enhanced in line with customer requirements and expectations. The new car care facilities and jet wash facilities will further assist in meeting customer expectations.”

Previously plans on the site for a drive-thru Costa Coffee as well as electric vehicle charging points and 31 parking spaces were turned down in 2021 as the proposals were considered as ‘unsustainable development’ in a rural location.

Westmorland and Furness Council approved this planning application on April 12.