Demolition of existing buildings, removal of existing canopy, pump islands and underground tanks. Construction of new sales building with ‘Food to Go’ offer and ATM, installation of new canopy, pump islands and forecourt, installation of 2 x 60KL underground fuel tanks, creation of new Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) hub and associated infrastructure, jet wash bays and associated plant room, bin store, car parking, car care facilities and all other associated works.

Earlier on in the meeting, as detailed under Minute 56 above, Councillor Wiggins had declared for the public record that she was one of the local Ward Members. Councillor Wiggins had also stated that she was not pre-determined on this application. She therefore remained in the meeting and took part in the deliberations and decision making.

The Committee heard that this application was before Members as the application had been called in by Councillor Scott due to his perceived impact of the proposals on traffic, noise and light pollution.

Members were told that the application sought full planning permission for the “Demolition of existing buildings, removal of existing canopy, pump islands and underground tanks. Construction of new sales building with ‘Food to Go’ offer and ATM, installation of new canopy, pump islands and forecourt, installation of 2 x 60 KL underground fuel tanks, creation of new Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) hub and associated infrastructure, jet wash bays and associated plant room, bin store, car parking, car care facilities and all other associated works.”

Officers told Members that the existing commercial building (office/storage), sales building and forecourt would be demolished and replaced by a larger sales building and forecourt. The new forecourt would provide refuelling for 16 vehicles. The new sales building would be located along the northern boundary of the site with a GIA of 380sqm, larger than the 289sqm. The sales area would provide two new ‘Food to Go’ uses including a bakery and a hot food takeaway. It would also feature staff area, three customer toilets and a new ATM and pay at night window.

The proposed EVC hub would be comprised of eight bays with canopies above located along the western boundary with a height of 2.8m. A new canopy would also cover the existing fuel pumps in the same location at the existing but covering a larger area. That would be a similar height to the existing.

Further, the Committee was told that new customer car parking of 15 spaces and 1 accessible bay, four new jet wash bays, new underground fuel tanks and associated infrastructure were all proposed.

Members also heard that the proposed development was considered by Officers to be an upgrade of existing facilities in accordance with the existing use on site.

The Committee had before it the published Officer report containing the key planning issues, relevant planning policies, planning history, any response from consultees, written representations received and a recommendation of approval.

At the meeting, an oral presentation was made by the Council’s Planning Officer (OA) in respect of the application.

An Officer Update Sheet had been circulated to Members prior to the meeting which covered the following matters:-

“Environment Agency – Additional Consultee Response 24.01.2025 – Holding objection removed

“We have reviewed the documents as submitted and we consider that planning permission could be granted to the proposed development as submitted if the following planning conditions are included as set out below. Without these conditions, the proposed development on this site  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59