Homes plan snub for fuel station

PLANS to demolish a Scouthead petrol station were recommended for refusal by Saddleworth parish council as “inappropriate” green belt development.

Scouthead Filling Station, on Huddersfield Road, was marked for demolition, to be replaced by nine homes and a shop unit.

Planning agent Chorlton Properties had prepared the plans for the site owners, who said the station had become unprofitable due to declining petrol sales in recent years.

That claimm was refuted by filling station operator Jamal Qureshi, who has rented the premises since March.

“The owners are trying to make it seem like we are going out of business and will close at any point. That is not the case. We are not making millions of pounds here, but we are profitable.”