ONE of the last traditional-style filling stations on North York Moors looks set to be demolished to make way for a guesthouse, tearoom and spa development, despite objections.

The proposal to bulldoze the petrol station at Honey Bee Nest, Glaisdale, follows a dramatic decline in the number of fuel outlets over the last 50 years and mounting concerns over access to key services in rural areas.

In 1970 there were 37,539 petrol stations across the country, but at the end of last year this figure had dwindled to 8,394.

However, the North York Moors National Park Authority’s planning committee will be told the filling station that served Glaisdale for decades was now “surplus to requirements” and demolishing it will help add to the village’s services and the local economy. An officers’ report to the committee states the filling station had operated as a motor repair and fuel sales business, but had been closed for a number of years as there was another petrol forecourt at the top end of the village.

National park officers said the loss of community facilities should be resisted through its first core policy unless it could be demonstrated that it was no longer suitable or viable for a community use.

The report states: “As the existing two garages in the village have merged it is not considered that the fuel and servicing provision has been lost from the village. As such, on the basis that the remaining business will continue to provide the same level of service as existing, then the closure of Honey Bee Nest garage and redevelopment of the site for an alternative business use is considered to be acceptable.”

Applicants Guy Bentley Ltd said with the Coast to Coast walk, Beggars Bridge ancient monument and the River Esk nearby there was a demand from visitors for a tearoom, guesthouse and spa.

A spokesman for the firm said: “Many moors villages have the expected tearoom, Glaisdale has not and the station has no refreshment facilities. This is a previously developed brownfield site situated in a well frequented part of the village, and the development will support existing business and meet visitors requirements and thus help the local economy.”

Despite this, members of Glaisdale Parish Council have been unanimous in declaring the proposal as too large, having insufficient parking spaces and being likely to create excessive noise and traffic.

In addition, some residents said the tearoom would be “extremely obtrusive”.