Service station for Empire Bay?

A planned service station for Empire Bay has been deferred at a council meeting in order for council officers to address concerns raised by community members and groups.

Residents raised concerns about the scale of the building and were worried about contaminated run-off and the associated environmental impact on a nearby conservation site, as well as nearby oyster farms.

The deferral will allow for traffic checking, and investigation into possible flooding and the effect of salt water on fuel tanks.

One person from the public gallery said that salt water would have no effect on the fuel tanks, as they would be made of fibreglass.

Mayor Cr Robert Bell was in favour of rejecting the application outright, saying that the bulk and style of the project was not compatible with the area, that there were traffic safety issues, and that there are already enough service stations in the area.

Cr Chris Holstein said: "The issues the residents raised are valid and I believe the all can be addressed via the conditions.

"There are justifiable reasons for the development, but conditions need to be addressed."

All councillors present except Mayor Bell were in favour of the deferral.

They were Crs Chris Holstein, Craig Doyle, Judith Penton, Daniel Cook, Lynne Bockholt, and Malcolm Brooks.

Jonathan Reichard, council agenda DH.037, April 8