NEW electric vehicle charging will be installed at a supermarket.
Some big changes look set to be at Morrisons in Winsford.
Motor Fuel Group (MFG), who operate the store’s petrol station, have been granted planning permission to install new EV charging points and to extend the kiosk.
It comes as the company, the UK’s largest independent forecourt operator with over 900 sites, looks to roll-out new EV charging facilities across Morrisons sites to help towards the government’s goal of net zero by 2050.
“MFG are looking to roll-out an extensive supply of EV charging facilities at existing Morrisons sites across the UK to diversify their existing offer, with the aspiration to make it as easy to charge your vehicle as re-fuelling with petrol or diesel,” reads the application submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council.
“The aspiration of MFG is to provide access to convenient and affordable charging, regardless of where the driver lives.
“As part of MFG’s proposals to upgrade facilities across their portfolio of Morrison petrol filling stations they are also taking the opportunity to extend the existing kiosk, to provide an improved offer to visiting motorists.”
The application explains that the UK Government is expecting around 300,000 public EV charging points to be available by 2030.
However, as of April 1 this year, there are just 59,670.
At this rate, the target will not be met until 2037, with a 236 per cent increase in build rate required to meet the target on time.
With this in mind, MFG is looking to create an EV charging zone, made up of eight bays.
Meanwhile, the petrol station’s sales building will be almost doubled in size by way of a single storey extension.
“MFG’s proposal to install new EV charging points at the Morrisons site should be considered positively in light of the national context and the demand for the necessary infrastructure to support electric vehicle use across the UK,” the application adds.
“The proposals will contribute positively to the existing EV charging network, to the benefit of those utilising the strategic highway network surrounding the application site.
“The proposals will enhance the existing offer at the site, without compromising the efficient operation of the facility.”
The plans were formally greenlit by Cheshire West and Chester Council on October 7.
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