MFG’s hopes that its Wells forecourt could operate around the clock have been thwarted by Somerset Council due to concerns over noise.
The site currently opens from 6am to 10pm Monday to Saturday, and from 7am to 10pm on Sundays. MFG applied to have the site open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In its application, MFG said the proposed extended hours would provide an essential service for emergency vehicles, shift workers, delivery drivers and motorists travelling outside standard hours. “The variation will improve convenience, support local employment and enhance the long-term viability of the site, consistent with similar petrol filling stations operating successfully on a 24-hour basis,” it explained.
The application also stated that only the centre dispensing pump would be operational during the nighttime period and no other facilities would be available on the forecourt. It went on: “The existing forecourt lighting is designed to minimise light spill and glare, with downward facing luminaires and appropriate illumination levels. Site management measures, including staff presence, CCTV and operational procedures, will ensure the site operates safely and responsibly at all times.”
Planning officers had recommended approving the plans but the council refused them “due to harms to residential amenity including noise (including activities and reversing noises), lighting (including headlights) and anti-social behaviour in a densely populated residential area”.
