Bio-CNG fuelling station at Land Off Commonhead Roundabout, Purley Road, Swindon

What was proposed

The application proposed a 24-hour, unmanned Bio-CNG vehicle fuelling station with 12 dispenser islands, plant, widened access, lighting and landscaping.

“Proposal: Development of a Bio-CNG vehicle fuelling station comprising fuel pump islands, plant compound, widened access, landscaping and associated development…”

“CNG Fuels would be responsible for drawing the gas out of the mains network and compressing it for on-site storage in small amounts within above ground modules. The gas will then be dispensed into vehicles via dedicated fuelling islands. The site would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It would be unmanned, monitored remotely by CCTV and restricted to use by CNG Ltd customers only. Only pre-registered drivers would be able to activate the pumps by fob automation.”

Officer report

Site and surroundings

The site is beside the A419 and Purley Road, outside a settlement boundary, within countryside and the North Wessex Downs National Landscape.

“Further revised details plans were submitted to address concerns raised regarding landscaping, drainage and highway matters. Site and surroundings 12. The site is located along the eastern side of the A419 at its junction with Purley Road. To the south side is open agricultural land. To the west side across the A419 is the Great Western Hospital and further to the north west is the designated employment area of Dorcan.”

“The site is located within the countryside outside of a settlement boundary and within the North Wessex Downs Landscape Character Area/Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but in proximity to the Swindon Urban area boundary. The site is also within the Great Western Community Forest Boundary.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from the ward councillor, the applicant, a supporter, an objector and a representative of Liddington Parish Council.

What people said

Supporters cited renewable fuel, emissions savings, alternative-site searches and jobs; opponents cited landscape harm, light pollution, traffic, flooding and safer alternatives.

“The application would provide access to the most sustainable fuel for heavy goods vehicles. • That the site would be subject to monthly audits to ensure it was fulfilling its obligations. • The green fuel supplied would help individual companies and the wider community meet their net zero targets. • That the proposed facility could cut emissions from vehicles by 90% saving 15,000 tonnes of emissions.”

“The countryside on both sides of the road surrounding the application site is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. • The local village (Liddington) had no street lighting and was a dark sky village whose benefits would be lost through light pollution from the site when operational. • Light pollution might lead to disturbed sleeping patterns and would be detrimental to people’s wellbeing.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions.

“Resolved – That Planning permission be granted subject to conditions.”

Minutes