Proposed expansion to Servo on West Tamar Highway

Update - January 2018
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This issue is still in the appeal process. Will keep you informed.
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At the June Council meeting we refused an application for expansion to the service station at the corner of Bridgenorth Road and West Tamar Highway. The West Tamar Council is usually in favour of developments but this one raised too many concerns.
The site has "non-conforming use" status, which means that it isn't zoned for a service station but because the existing one has been there for a long time (before zonings) it was allowed to remain as long as it wasn't "intensified" - i.e. made bigger.
There were 3 reasons for refusal:

1. It was an intensification of use - more pumps, bigger area (3x), longer opening hours, large truck access.
2. The exit and entrance for southbound traffic was to be via the Bridgenorth Road junction. This is already a dangerous junction and many vehicle avoid this by taking the Kavala Street option - much to the annoyance of the residents. By their own Traffic Impact Assessment, the developers agreed that the junction would reach capacity within two years. Without the development it would reach capacity in 8 years- so either way this junction should be a priority for the Department of Stage Growth to fix!
3. The neighbouring houses would be adversely affected. There could be B-Double trucks refuelling in the early morning. 

The motion was passed unanimously. However the developers have appealed the decision which means it is now out of the Council's hands and the final decision will be made by RMPAT (Planning Appeal Tribunal). Council will be funding lawyers to defend our case - unfortunately a cost for all of us, but we need to stick to our principles.
There are other nearby sites that are far more suitable and appropriately zoned so hopefully we will still get this development but in a better place.   
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Richard Ireland 6th July 2017