A derelict petrol station branded an eyesore by people living nearby could be used as a car sales area.

Bradford Council is considering a planning application for the site of the former Nab Wood Service Station, which closed in 2003.

The news has been welcomed by Melanie Howarth, one of several residents who has been asking councillors to get the site tidied for over a year.

“It’s got to be better than it is now,” she said.

Mrs Howarth said she and others were frustrated by overgrown weeds on the unkempt site, which had been left undeveloped after the owner applied to build flats on it.

“One of my neighbours came round [last week] with a petition and was getting all the neighbours to sign it,” said Mrs Howarth, of Banksome Drive.

“It’s an eyesore, it really is. It’s all overgrown.”

Councillor Kevin Warnes (Shipley, Green) said the planning application could be for a temporary use for the former petrol station while its long-term use was decided.

“The downside is it’s going to be a car sales space, rather than something more in keeping with a residential area. It’s surrounded by houses and what we really want is for the long-term future is really good residential houses,” he said.

Fellow ward councillor Hawarun Hussain said: “It’s better than it being a derelict site. I’m not sure car sales is ideal for that position, but it’s actually good news that something is going to be done.”

The planning application has been submitted by Adrian Walton of Niad Development Ltd, based in Leyburn.