Service station plans in Nottinghamshire village set to be approved despite local anger
Plans for a new service station in a Nottinghamshire village are set to be approved despite major opposition from locals. Venari Land Limited wants to build a petrol station and drive-thru at the A46/A606 Melton Road roundabout in Hickling.
Plans before Rushcliffe Borough Council[1] include electric vehicle charging bays, HGV fuelling facilities, parking and a drive-thru. A new access from the A606 would also be constructed.
Council officers have recommended that the planning committee approves the development, which would be run by Welcome Break Services, at its meeting on August 10. The site, which is made up of 2.5 hectares, was last used for agricultural purposes.
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The applicant says the proposal would create 65 full-time equivalent jobs[3] for the local community. But hundreds of people have objected to the plans, including the nearby Nottingham Astronomy Society.
It said: "The proposal will detrimentally impact upon the sky quality as viewed from the observatory." Ward councillor Tina Combellack cited concerns over flooding, biodiversity and the proximity to nearby homes.
She said there was "no demonstratable need for the facility" and added that fuel is already available nine miles either side of the Widmerpool island. She added: "The proposal will create a destination location where there is no demand, which will undermine any existing pubs and cafes to the detriment of the rural economy.
“The proposal will result in extreme light pollution, turning dark rural skies into a sea of commercial activity; the objection from the astronomical society should be noted and given due weight."
Five neighbouring parish councils also objected to the plans, stating that the countryside was an "inappropriate" place for the development. Overall, 170 residents responded to the plans, 155 of which were objections.[4]
Those in support of the plans said a service station nearby would "make all the difference" for residents needing fuel. They also said it would have "minimal impact" on the local residents.
Council documents stated: "Overall, while the scheme would result in a high level of localised change to landscape character for the site area, the scheme protects and enhances the site green infrastructure features including boundaries to enhance their distinctiveness.
“The scheme brings about notable benefits in terms of biodiversity, the economy, and through the provision of facilities to meet an identified need. No demonstrable harm has been identified which would outweigh the benefits of the development and therefore the scheme is considered to accord with the aims of the development plan when considered as a whole."
References
- ^ Rushcliffe Borough Council (www.nottinghampost.com)
- ^ Let us know (xd.wayin.com)
- ^ proposal would create 65 full-time equivalent jobs (www.nottinghampost.com)
- ^ 170 residents responded to the plans, 155 of which were objections. (www.nottinghampost.com)