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Saturday, February 8, 2025

New Rushcliffe village service station and drive-thru set for green light despite opposition

Plans for a new service station near a Rushcliffe village which are set to be approved next week have been met with major opposition by locals.

Applicant Venari Land Limited wants to build a petrol station and drive-thru at the A46/A606 Melton Road roundabout in Hickling Pastures.

Rushcliffe Borough Council received an application for the ‘Roadside Service Area’ which would include electric vehicle charging bays, HGV fuelling facilities, parking and a drive thru.

A new access from the A606 would also be constructed.

Screenshot 2023 08 03 at 17.40.19

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Rushcliffe Borough Council officers have recommended that the planning committee approves the development at its meeting on August 10.

The site, which is made up of 2.5 hectares, was last used for agricultural purposes. Welcome Break Services would run the site.

The applicant details that the proposal would create 65 full-time equivalent jobs for the local community.

But hundreds of people have objected to the plans, including the Nottingham Astronomy Society which is based nearby the site.

“The proposal will detrimentally impact upon the sky quality as viewed from the observatory”, it said.

And ward councillor Cllr Tina Combellack (Con) 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 on either side of Widmerpool island.

She said: “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.

170 residents responded to the plans, 155 of which were objections.

Those in support of the plans said a service station nearby would “make all the
difference” for residents needing fuel.

They said it would have “minimal impact” on the local residents.

But those objecting to the plans said: “The proposal has not fully considered the immense impact this will have on the local villagers in terms of disruption, change to our tranquil environment and creating unsolicited stress and anxiety.”

They added that Widmerpool and Hickling Pastures have very low levels of crime and the development could encourage thefts or vandalism.

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.”

•  Keyworth cook-and-eat project receives Reach Rushcliffe funding

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