Petrol station on busy Scarborough approach road set for major forecourt revamp

Esso’s Musham Bank Service Station on Seamer Road has received the green light for improvements including the installation of a jet wash enclosure, relocation of fuel infrastructure, and drainage upgrades.

Rontec Roadside Retail Ltd’s proposal said the works would help improve safety and efficiency at the site while creating additional space for fuel tankers to manoeuvre.

The proposal also includes the formation of a dedicated valet bay.

Planning documents state the project arose from planned maintenance work and provided an opportunity to “rationalise the forecourt” and improve the overall layout of the facility.

The service station lies outside Scarborough’s development boundary in open countryside, on the main route connecting the town with Seamer and Eastfield.

Planning officers said the works amounted to relatively minor alterations to an established roadside business.

A report stated: “The scheme will result in a series of minor works and alterations which would expand and consolidate an established rural business.”

Officers said the changes would improve the operation of a service station that provides “vital services to commuters travelling to and from Scarborough, as well as the neighbouring settlements of Seamer and Eastfield”.

No objections were made by members of the public, Seamer Parish Council, the Highway Authority, or environmental health officers.

The Highway Authority noted the loss of two parking spaces would not have a significant impact because customers tend to make short visits to refuel or make use of the site’s facilities.

Planning officers stated the new jet wash enclosure would be visible from surrounding roads but said it would be in keeping with the character of an existing service station and would not cause unacceptable harm to the countryside setting.