A PETROL station could be demolished to make way for two shops and a synagogue.

Developers have tabled plans for the Texaco garage in Bury Old Road, Prestwich, near the junction with Ravensway.

Fifteen parking spaces would serve the new developments.

Bury Council has previously given the green light for a shop to be built there, but this is the first time the construction of a place of worship has been mooted.

Unimore Ltd said in a report to the council: "The synagogue will meet an unidentified local need. The site is situated within a densely populated area very popular with people of the Jewish faith.

"It is evident that the redevelopment of the site has the potential to bring about significant environmental improvements by removing the existing unattractive structures and replacing this with a high-quality modern development.

"At present, there is an initial interest from a small independent kitchen fitting company to occupy the smaller unit. This would primarily be used as a showroom and sales unit for the company.

"The first floor would also provide two lobbies to the synagogue, which will be on the second floor."

The shops would open every day but Saturday, including some bank holidays, between 7am and 11pm.

The report added: "With regards to traffic, it is anticipated that the environmental effects will be at worst neutral and at best an improvement."

Existing vehicle access arrangements are "dangerous," says the report, and the development would make access better.

A total of 18 people have so far formally supported the application and four people have formally opposed it.

Jason Selig, of Park Road, said: "I have recently joined the synagogue that is looking to relocate. They are a wonderfully warm and committed group of people and reach out to everyone.

"Their relocation will provide a fantastic springboard for all kinds of communal activities.

"These would include youth groups, prayer services, public lectures, charity drives, academic research facilities and hosting of community support services, such as groups that visit the sick and bereaved."

Laurence Miller, of Park Road, said: "The synagogue is very special in its style of worship and, as I grow older, it takes me longer to walk on the Sabbath.

"This will enable myself and those with young children, including my own grandchildren, a much easier opportunity to keep on attending the synagogue that I love."

One objector, who lives in Albert Avenue, said: "The sheer scale of the proposal is too large for the site.

"The building would tower 35 to 40ft above my garden and almost on my boundary.

"The number of parking spaces is inadequate and the resulting congestion will result in more drivers parking on Albert Avenue, which is already extremely busy at times."

The council's consultation period ends on November 20 and the council is aiming to reach a decision by January 27.