Objections to plan for Wash Common service station

If planning permission is granted, the existing Total service station will be demolished and replaced with a Sainsbury’s petrol station and a Sainsbury’s Local shop, larger than the store currently located on site.
A dozen angry residents turned out to protest against the plans at a planning and highways committee of Newbury Town Council last Monday (December 17), raising concerns over noise and light pollution, anti-social behaviour and parking issues.
One local resident who lives close to the site, Fiona Dickens was among the crowd, and was angered by the prospect of the development.
“This site was developed in 2003, I don’t think it looks particularly old and I don’t think it needs to be developed,” she said. “There’s nine parking spaces on the site, the shop is almost to double in size, they are to take on 15 members off staff and no extra parking spaces.”
Another resident who’s garden backs onto the service station, a Mrs Shields, said she had been kept awake by the bright lights on the forecourt and heavy-goods vehicles making deliveries in the middle of the night.
“Since the garage was built there have been a number of problems of noise and intrusive lighting,” she said, adding that a previous complaint had been met with the store manager advising her to buy thicker curtains.
Councillors shared similar concerns, stating that the application showed disregard for local residents.
Anthony Pick (Con. Newbury) said: “I propose that we object to this, essentially on the ground of complete failure to consider residents circumstances.
“I think this is deplorable and is not compromised for by an improved facility.”
The application was greeted with a similar response by Greenham Parish Coucil last week, with councillors raising concerns over the increased amount of pupils from Park House School, which is directly opposite the petrol station, likely to visit the site if the shop was to be made larger and with increased opening hours.
“When Park House throw out it’s absolute chaos down there,” said David Hale, adding this would worsen if the development was approved.
A decision is expected by West Berkshire Council by January 24, 2013.