WYCHAVON District Council's planning committee will consider a controversial application for a service station on the Broadway Road Roundabout on the Evesham bypass today.

The application has been submitted by William Gilder Ltd, and is for new secure roadside truck stop facility, including associated HGV and car parking, drivers facilities building, vehicular access, security hut, service yard and landscaping.

But Evesham Town Council recommends refusal, Worcestershire Regulatory Services says it anticipates it will fall below the criteria for an air quality assessment, and Evesham North Councillor Peter Griffiths said: "Whist it is recognised that these facilities attract great favour within the transport industry, and proper safe overnight parking is essential, that is no reason to build them in the wrong place and outside the recognised development boundary close to residential houses.”

Reasons given by objectors to the application is A44 congestion, noise and disturbance to residents living near the site, air and light pollution, the visual impact and the loss of agricultural land.

But there have been 116 responses that have given support to the proposal saying it will provide employment opportunities, the location is ideal for a truck stop at the junction of two major roads both well used by HGVs, the A46 is a very congested road where many opportunities are needed for stopping, and current laybys are not safe or sufficient for overnight parking.

The applicant says: "There is government recognition and support for the provision of truck stop facilities, following the publication of the NPPF,

"The sizeable number of letters received in support of the proposed truck stop facility highlights that without roadside facilities, lorry drivers are often subject to park in laybys or along the side of roads, which can be detrimental to both the safety of drivers and other road users.

"The proposal constitutes sustainable development in the overall context of the NPPF, providing a much-needed roadside facility."

A decision is to be made by the committee at the planning meeting, being held at the council chamber, Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, from 2pm this afternoon.

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