CONTROVERSIAL plans by a supermarket to build a petrol station within its car park and next to a much-criticised junction in Weymouth are being backed in a report.

Councillors will have the final say when they meet to discuss the proposal by Asda – but are being recommended to approve the application, subject to conditions.

This is despite a raft of objections from residents and Weymouth Civic Society.

Opponents have described the plan as ‘madness’ and ‘totally inappropriate’ given the store’s proximity to the harbour crossroads – which has had to be redesigned to make it easier to understand – and Boot Hill, where there are pollution fears.

There are also concerns about noise and smells, loss of parking, road safety and extra traffic.

Highways officers at Dorset County Council had initially objected but have since been satisfied with transport data supplied by Asda. But they urge the store to monitor the situation.

The supermarket giant expects the majority of customers will be those doing their shopping anyway. It is currently not in a position to undercut other garages to win customers, it says.

Asda wants to build a self-service filling station in the eastern corner of the car park adjoining Newstead Road. Twenty five spaces parking would be lost.

As pumps would be automated with no cash sales, no payment kiosk is needed. Asda says the facility would have little impact on store operations and ‘sit comfortably’ on the site.

A report to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s planning committee on October 5 says the main planning issues are highways, visual impact and effect on nearby residents.

With regard to highways, it says: “Clearly this is an important matter given the location of the site and the efforts that have been made, including by the applicants, to address issues. As can be seen from the observations of Dorset County Council, the applicants have been pressed to ensure that their proposals do not create access/stacking issues and amendments have been sought. Following the receipt of these revised plans, members will note that the county council as highway authority now has no objection.”

In terms of visual impact, the report says most views from properties in the area already have the backdrop of the store. And it says structures needed for the filling station would be very limited.

As regards residential amenity, the report refers to the views from environmental health officers who have no objection, and are satisfied with air quality and noise assessments.

The recommendation is for approval subject to conditions which include no fuel deliveries outside 7am-11pm, and no construction work outside 7am-7pm on weekdays and 8pm-1pm on weekends. It also asks for reports and further work regarding land contamination.

GREEN Party county councillor for Rodwell Clare Sutton said: “I am genuinely shocked by this recommendation.

"This is beside the most congested junction in Weymouth, and the most polluted road in Weymouth, Boot Hill.

"To even consider deliberately encouraging further car journeys to this part of our town is just crazy.

"I understand there are a number of conditions, but if the petrol station goes ahead, there will be no going back and we will all have to live with the consequences.

"I very much hope the planning committee puts the interests of local residents first and turns down this planning application.”