CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new petrol station on a busy Kidderminster road have been greenlit, creating 20 new jobs as well as many concerns.
The planning application on Churchfields, which would see a vacant car dealership demolished and a petrol station, kiosk store and a jet wash facility built in its place, was voted through by Wyre Forest councillors despite 65 objections.
The kiosk store will offer food to go, and EV charging spaces, car parking and landscaping will also be provided by the applicants EG On The Move Limited.
The new development is set to generate 10 full-time and 10 part-time jobs, and will be open 24/7, although the jet washing facility can only be used between 8am and 8pm.
Kidderminster Town Council’s planning committee was among those who raised objections, but Coun Fran Oborski said while she had sympathy with their views, she couldn’t see a planning reason for turning it down- and insisted if she could find one, she would have voted against approval.
The 65 letters of objection raised concerns that the development would worsen traffic, given its proximity to Crossley Retail Park, as well as impacting emergency services and increasing the risk of an accident.
Other worries include the impact the development could have on residents’ health and wellbeing, and increase the risk of antisocial behaviour.
Planning documents claim the development has the potential to generate around 83 and 100 two-way vehicle trips during peak hours.
The Transport Statement said developments of this nature generate few new trips, drawing upon passing traffic already on the road network.
The Highway Authority said the development would not harm the local road network or lead to severe road traffic impacts.
People also claimed there was no need for the new development as there were other petrol stations close by.
However, Coun Nicky Martin said that having other petrol stations nearby will bring needed competition as the prices of petrol were very high compared to other areas.
Council leader Coun Marcus Hart said he saw absolutely no grounds as to how councillors could object to this application.
He added: “The reality is, yes, it’s a busy ring road, yes, it’s congested in rush hour, and yes, it’s congested at peak times when traffic wants to come to and from either the Crossley Retail Park or Wheavers Wharf.
“This is a redundant brownfield site- and it’s an eyesore at the moment, this removes that eyesore.
“A lot of people will be using this station as they travel past it, and regrettably, the arguments, in my view, are not going to be substansiated on appeal and can be properly addressed by conditions- this is planning policy compliant.”
