Controversial plans to demolish and rebuild a petrol station in Warwick look set to be given the green light by councillors.

Euro Garage Group has applied for planning permission to flatten its Esso garage and car wash on Stratford Road to make way for a more modern filling station and shop.

The planning application submitted to Warwick District Council (WDC) shows the floor space of the new retail unit would be almost three times as big as the current offering.

Meanwhile the "deteriorated" fuel pumps - which were installed in the 1990's - would be replaced and four rapid electric vehicle charging points installed.

 "Any potential harms associated with the proposals are nevertheless significantly outweighed by the benefits, including economic, social, and environmental benefits," the application said. 

"In terms of economic benefits, the build-out of the scheme will utilise local consultants and companies to facilitate the build.

"In terms of social benefits, the proposals will enhance the local offerings at a brownfield site, while also increasing the levels of employment at the site to the benefit of the locale. 

"Finally, in terms of environmental gains, the site will provide EV charging facilities with the potential for further expansion of this to meet market changes which is significant, given the lack of similar publicly available facilities within Warwick or any other nearby settlements."

The application has been met with mixed reactions locally, with seven residents objecting to the scheme, raising concerns around "over-development" and lack of parking space.

Meanwhile five supporting statements have been issued for the redevelopment of the site which has been a petrol station since at least 1948.

And a report set to be discussed by WDC's planning committee next Tuesday (November 7) has recommended planning permission be granted.

"Overall, it is considered that the proposal would improve the character and appearance of the area, which has been mentioned in a number of supportive comments from members of the public," it said. 

The report added: "The Highways Authority have been consulted and raised no objection to this parking provision or the proposed layout."

An application to replace the shop with a much bigger unit was refused in 2010 and then dismissed on appeal by the planning inspectorate.

See the full application here.