The move was branded “ridiculous” by residents who opposed the filling station on vacant land off Liverpool Road North
Site of a proposed petrol station off Liverpool Road North, Maghull(Image: Liverpool Echo)
The Planning Inspectorate has overturned Sefton Council’s decision to deny planning permission for a new petrol station in Maghull. The move was branded “ridiculous” by neighbours who opposed the filling station on vacant land off Liverpool Road North.
The plans would see a filling station, shop and car park replace the current car park. A derelict house currently on the site would be pulled down and jet-washes put in its place.
Sefton Council refused planning permission in July 2025. But the decision was appealed, with the national Planning Inspectorate overturning the planning refusal last month. The Inspectorate listed the “main issue” in the matter being the effect on the area’s “character and appearance”.
Alan Dobson, 90, lives across from the site on Liverpool Road North. He said: “I think it’s ridiculous. I’ve been here for 50 years, and this has always been a busy road.
“It won’t help how bad the traffic is here. A new house would be a better use of the land.”
Alan Dobson, 90, from Maghull(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Neighbour Joanne Wilson, 34, said: “We already put our concerns in an objection. We don’t need another petrol station, there are already two close by.”
Mum-of-two Joanne added: “This is already a very busy road and it will only make it worse, which makes me worry for my children. I’m also worried about the fumes.
Of the Planning Inspectorate decision, she said: “It feels like the research hasn’t been done before this decision was made by people who aren’t from here and don’t understand the area.”
The Planning Inspectorate visited the site on March 24 2026.
This house on Liverpool Road North, Maghull, is to be pulled down to make way for a new petrol station(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Another resident told the ECHO: “I think it will make the traffic so much worse. It’ll be a nightmare.”
Cllr Chloe Parker, leader of Maghull Town Council, spoke to the ECHO while canvassing local voters close to the proposed petrol station ahead of the election.
She said: “We opposed it from the start. It’s not an appropriate place for a petrol station. The mitigation, such as crossings, won’t satisfy the residents concerns.”
Newly-installed independent Maghull East councillor David Leatherbarrow said: “The decision has caused genuine concern amongst local residents, particularly given the ongoing pressure on our roads, infrastructure and local services.
Cllr David Leatherbarrow (right) with Cllr Joanne McCall at Aintree Racecourse following their local election success(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
“This is the straw that’s broken the camel’s back. Another petrol station is not what Maghull needs at this point in time.
“Having reviewed the reports, I believe there are still important questions around congestion, environmental impact and the cumulative effect of continued development on the character of our town.
“This is about more than one planning application. Residents increasingly feel that decisions are being made to our community, rather than with it. Maghull deserves strong local voices willing to ask difficult questions, properly scrutinise developments, and stand up for the long-term future.
Site of a proposed petrol station off Liverpool Road North, Maghull(Image: Liverpool Echo)
“I expect Sefton councillors and our MP to demand a Judicial Review. I also demand a publicly transparent investigation into the process that led to this poor planning decision.”
The ECHO approached the Planning Inspectorate for comment. A spokesperson said the department was not in a position to comment during the six-week period that the decision can be challenged at the High Court.
