THE demolition and restoration of a 'fuel island' close to the town centre is set to begin after plans were given the green light.

Work at the Rock Oil site, on Priestley Street, could begin this week following authorisation from Town Hall planning chiefs on December 3.

Environmental protection officer Steve Smith has issued advice to contractors to ensure residents are not disrupted throughout the work.

He said audible works at or beyond the site boundary should not occur outside of Monday to Friday between 8am to 6pm, between 8.30am to 1.30pm on Saturdays and at no time on Sundays.

"Noisy or disruptive works carried on outside of these hours are much more likely to raise objections or complaints by residents, due to disturbance, to the redevelopment of the site which may, in turn, result in formal action being pursued by public protection services to enforce the recommended hours," he said.

Mr Smith also urged workmen to report any incidents associated with contamination to the council, as well as immediately halting work within the affected area.

"Historical and current mapping indicates a potentially contaminative land use that may affect the redevelopment of the site," he added.

"The site was formerly used as a wireworks and currently is in use as a depot.

"The applicant must ensure that the appointed contractors and building control officer are made aware of the above, so that adequate precautions can be taken to protect construction workers, future site users and the wider public from land contamination or ground gas issues associated with the site and vicinity."

SJW Site Services is set to carry out the restoration task following the demolition and it has been confirmed that a fire marshal will be present at all times while 'hot work, which can lead to fire hazards, is undertaken.

It said: "The concrete island will be grubbed up and the ground level reduced to about 250mm below the adjacent slab levels.

"The base of the excavation will be compacted with stone and blinded off with sand to about 200m below adjacent levels.

"The adjacent slabs will be drilled and dowel bars grouted into place to allow us to tie the proposed slab into existing slabs.

"The concrete will be left fenced off for a few days to prevent any vehicle driving on it."

Planning documents confirmed the applicant proposed to carry out the demolition from today, December 11.