Petrol station scheme to create 19 new jobs in Sedgefield

The opening of a new petrol station, food store and café is expected to create 19 jobs in Sedgefield.

Plans for the new complex, which will involve a Marks & Spencer Simply Food store, a BP petrol station and a Wild Bean café, were unveiled today (February 11).

The development is earmarked for an unused site adjacent to the A689/A177 roundabout, south of the town centre.

BP project manager Simon Cheetham said of the plans: “The chosen site benefits from strong traffic flows along the A689, as well as its proximity to Sedgefield village.

“The development will see Marks & Spencer establish a presence in a strong market location, serving both the passing trade and top-up shopping from residents of Sedgefield.”

He added: “As well as enhancing consumer choice for residents of Sedgefield, the proposals will also generate 19 new jobs.”

According to the businesses involved, efforts to deliver a project sympathetic to the surrounding landscape, including the parks and gardens at nearby historic Hardwick Hall are under consideration.

BP Oil UK and M&S, which have a history of working together on similar projects, are due to hold a public consultation for local residents later this week. Members of the development team will be present at the meeting to discuss the proposals and take questions from the public.

The public consultation event will be held at the Manor House, West End, Sedgefield on Thursday February 14, between 3pm and 7pm, and the development team say any comments received will be “carefully considered” before proposals are finalised.

A planning application for the development is expected to be submitted in the summer.