Norfolk petrol station to be knocked down and replaced despite objections from locals
The Murco pumps on Fakenham Road in Lenwade are set to be replaced
A petrol station which has been part of a Norfolk village for almost 50 years will be replaced, despite dozens of neighbours objecting to the scheme.
Proposals to demolish and rebuild the Murco pumps on Fakenham Road in Lenwade, a village near Norwich, have been given the green light by Broadland District Council (BDC).
The plan will see the demolition of the existing canopy, pumps and kiosk, which will be replaced with an enlarged offering, including a new shop.
Ahead of the planning committee meeting on Wednesday, 27 locals wrote in to object to the scheme, with concerns including the increased height of the canopy and whether it would disturb neighbours.
The proposal also follows a previous refusal for a scheme which included a hand car washing facility and hot food takeaway in the shop.
These elements have been removed from the latest plans.
Peta Banks, from Great Withingham and Lenwade Parish Council, said the site “clearly needs upgrading” but echoed local’s concerns.
She said: “We do welcome the site being upgraded, but our primary concern remains the impact on the community, especially the neighbours, who are likely to be impacted by noise and light.
“It is a large shop space replacing a small kiosk, it’s likely to be the largest in the village.”
A speaker in support of the application said there has been a petrol station on the site since 1978, which had unrestricted opening hours but the new plans would see it close by 10pm.
He also said it would be better insulated than the current kiosk, reducing noise impact on neighbours.
Paul Auber, a Liberal Democrat councillor, questioned the opening hours, saying he did not believe 10pm was “suitable” and would impact neighbours.
While Mr Auber initially proposed 7am to 7pm opening hours councillors eventually settled on an 8pm close.
The application was approved, with four in favour, one against and one abstention.