The demolition of a Blackburn filling station and its replacement with a new complex, complete with ultra-fast electric vehicle chargers, has been approved.

In November, the Issa brothers' EG group applied for planning permission for the upgrade at the Whalley Banks Euro Garages site.

The application to Blackburn with Darwen Council was for a replacement development, which will include a substation and two rapid electric vehicle charging points, with a linked substation and will cut the number of petrol and diesel pumps from 12 to six.

Now the authority has approved the scheme with two conditions.

The 0.21 hectare Blackburn Service Station site located approximately 600 metres to the South West of Blackburn town centre.

It currently comprises a petrol filling station consisting of a total of 12 refuelling bays located at the centre of the site, with ancillary shops consisting of a pharmacy and a SPAR convenience store.

The supporting planning statement submitted with the application said: "It is evident that most electric vehicle charging points (EVCPs) are concentrated in Blackburn town centre with very little serving the south-west of Blackburn.

"Moreover, many of the available charging points are located at shopping centres, supermarkets, or cinemas, which are intended for customer use only.

"All the available EVCP within the wider town centre are only considered to be fast to rapid chargers (ranging from 22 kilowatts to 50kW) and, as such, there is a clear need for ultra-rapid EVCP that can deliver charging power of 100kW or more.

"Full planning consent is sought for the demolition of the existing petrol filling station, ancillary shop and pharmacy at the site and erection of a petrol filling station with ancillary retail shop and creation of two rapid electric vehicle charge points.

"It will primarily serve passing traffic off the A674.

"The upgraded petrol filling station will have six refuelling bays located at the central portion of the site and is shielded by a canopy.

"The EV charging post will be able to deliver ultra-rapid charging speeds (up to 150kW) recharging EVs in roughly 20 minutes.

"The proposed substation is essential to enable the provision of EV charging on site and will enable the expansion of the EVCPs in response to changing demands whereby traditional petroleum fuels are to be phased out.

"The proposal will regenerate an existing petrol filling station while ensuring the promotion of highway safety."