26/00768/FUL

Proposal Application for Full Planning – Development of a roadside services facility comprising a service station with fuel forecourt and canopy, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, drive-through restaurant, flexible Class E commercial units, HGV parking and associated access, parking, landscaping, drainage and infrastructure.

Great Bromley Parish Council made the following comments:

Unsuitable Location for Roadside Services
Roadside service areas tend to be located at strategic road network junctions, not rural or village edge locations. Has the need for a facility of this scale in this location been justified?

Impact on Rural Character and Landscape
he development introduces large scale built form, lighting columns, signage and 24 hour activity that would urbanise the countryside and erode rural character. Is the landscape mitigation proposed sufficient for a development of this intensity?

Noise, Light and Disturbance
A 24 hour service station, HGV parking and drive through restaurant will generate continuous noise, lighting and vehicle movements.

Access Opposite Residential Driveway
The proposed site access is positioned directly opposite an existing residential access. This arrangement creates an unacceptable conflict point, with increased turning movements, queuing and restricted visibility for residents attempting to enter or exit their property. Given the scale and intensity of traffic associated with a service station, HGV parking and drive through restaurant, the access design fails to demonstrate safe and suitable access for all users, contrary to national and local highway safety policy.

Air Quality and Emissions
Concentrated HGV idling, increased traffic and drive through queuing will worsen local air quality. Has a robust air quality assessment been provided to demonstrate compliance with national standards?

Highways and Traffic Impact
The proposal introduces significant additional vehicle movements, including HGVs, EV chargers and drive through traffic. Has the cumulative impact on the local road network been demonstrated as acceptable? Particular concern is raised regarding the Ravens Green area, which is a single track road already experiencing dangerous daily traffic issues.

Impact on Local Businesses
This proposal would divert trade from existing businesses, harming local vitality. Has a retail impact assessment been provided?

Litter and Environmental Impact
The nature of the development, including a drive through restaurant and 24 hour operation,  presents a high risk of litter dispersal, waste accumulation and environmental harm. Without a clear and enforceable strategy, the proposal risks damaging the rural environment, local lanes and nearby residential areas.