REVISED plans to enlarge Bridport's Texaco filling station and build a mini Somerfield supermarket on the site have failed to win over town councillors.

Nearby residents are also unimpressed with the latest scheme - claiming it fails to tackle concerns over traffic dangers, noise and fumes.

Azure Property Ltd applied last year to upgrade the petrol station, off the East Road roundabout, with a new sales building, canopies, storage compound and new access. But after concerns about traffic flow they agreed to amend the scheme.

Members of the town council's plans committee said the changes - including a one-way system - had little impact.

These included:

  • Increased traffic congestion on the roundabout.
  • Safety fears because of extra storage and more fuel deliveries.
  • Concerns about the effect of additional out-of-town shopping provision on local traders.
  • Extra light pollution and noise.
  • No need for store with three existing supermarkets.
  • Over-development of the site.
  • Coun Ros Kayes questioned the need for every garage to have supermarket and said this development - billed as a wonderful new amenity for Bridport - would make it a clone town.

"The community is not happy with this and we should ask West Dorset Council not to pander to the needs and pressures of the developer," she said.

Coun Charles Wild said it would clearly mean a loss of amenity to nearby residents. "They say there will be no increase in the numbers of people visiting the garage but if that's so why are they doing it?" he asked.

Coun Wild said: "It needs a retail impact assessment. This could easily have a detrimental effect on shops in town."

Coun Richard Nicholls said the scheme would impinge on houses in the area.

"We don't have a place for this sort of development in Bridport," he said. "If we even thought of supporting this we would be letting Bridport people down."

East Road resident Michael Sadler outlined neighbours' fears. He said the scheme proposed an enormous shop' - twice the size of the present building - and the raised garage canopy and 6ft fence proposed would block people's light. They would also be subjected to continual noise from four refrigeration fans.

Mr Sadler said the one way system proposed in the revised plan to combat potential traffic problems was a farce'. "The signs will not be mandatory and therefore invalid," he said.

"The developers have completely ignored residents' concerns over health and safety. Two serious accidents have occurred on the forecourt in the last six months and the polluted atmosphere created by petrol and exhaust fumes trapped beneath the canopy waft into the houses.

"We have to tolerate large lorries parking on the footway, blocking entrances and exits plus the main A35, The drivers visit the present shop to ask directions, take a break or unload.

"We feel strongly that this will increase if Somerfield turns the shop into a mini market."

Town councillors say if the district council approves the plan conditions must be applied to restrict opening hours, and outlaw lights and noise after 10pm.