Drive-thru coffee shop and possible new Greggs and Subway planned for petrol station site

Plans for a drive-thru coffee shop and a possible new Greggs or Subway outlet are being considered for a petrol station site in Bolton.

If the proposals are approved, the Mercury filling station on Manchester Road in Westhoughton, would see the car wash demolished along with two vacant houses, to make way for the coffee shop and three shopping units.

Plans suggest the new development would result in up to five full-time jobs and 10 part-time jobs for local people in the area.

The petrol station is on the A6, close to the M61, around four miles south west of Bolton town centre. The site currently hosts the petrol station, a small business unit, a hand car wash business and jet wash bays.

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The Mercury hotel lies immediately west of the site. Documents published by Bolton Council in support of the plans did not state which coffee chain brand would potentially occupy the site, but suggested the retail units could become Subway and Greggs outlets.

The statement, said: “The traditional purpose of roadside services has altered considerably. They are not now simply used as a means to refuel, they also provide invaluable respite for drivers.

“The majority of trade will be attracted from passing motorists. The proposed drive thru coffee shop and retail space will be ancillary to the main fuel sales function of the site, and while end users are not known at the time of submission, uses could include food to go offers such as Subway or Greggs, with linked trips for fuel and shopping being made.

“As such the development will not operate in direct competition with Westhoughton town centre. The proposed development is an employment generator and will result in the