By Margaret Crosby

Published at 11:35, Thursday, 06 December 2012

THE development of a new Spar convenience store with petrol station is being put forward for Hensingham.

It would take in the buildings of the G & M bar and catering supplies business, which would be demolished to make way for the new development.

Copeland planners have been advised to make a site visit to the area before reaching a decision, because it is a major redevelopment within a residential area.

Permission is being sought for a new single-storey Spar store with a retail space of 232sq metres, with 23 parking spaces and a petrol forecourt with canopy and four pumps to accommodate eight cars at any one time. The existing access on to Main Street would be widened to allow a two-way access.

Also under the plan, the existing Spar shop that fronts on to Richmond Hill Road would close and be converted into two small retail units with a further part used for shop storage.

The application is made by Preston architects Harry Walters & Livesey on behalf of Spar.

Mike Graham, of G & M Supplies, says the intention is to move out and continue trading from premises in Frizington.

The business has been going for 25 years and Mr Graham says it is responding to customer demand for good competitive prices backed up by reliable service and delivery. “Large showrooms that few customers visit have become an expensive and unwieldy overhead.

“Our business, similar to many others in our sector across the UK, is now sales orientated with the emphasis on telephone and website, supported by catalogues and offer brochures.

“With our customers’ loyal support we look forward to many more years of service.’’

In the meantime G & M have taken on two new members of staff – web designer Chris Sutherland and web developer Gavin McKew.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk