ASDA’s controversial plans to construct a petrol station at their A350 store in Melksham were unanimously objected to by the town council following fears it would significantly increase traffic congestion along the already busy road.

The superstore had submitted a planning application to construct the four pump unmanned petrol station on their car park and would have to remove 28 parking spaces to accommodate the site.

However, there had been considerable unease among councillors and residents that the plans would cause yet more traffic build-up on a road already plagued with congestion.

Chair of the planning group Andy Hinchcliffe, speaking outside of the meeting, said: “The real objection to the site is that it would increase the snarl up that we already have on the A350.

“There are only two run off spots and this petrol station is just going to exacerbate the issue even further.

“The planning committee objected to it unless the issues regarding traffic concerns are addressed. The real issue is with access and egress from the site.

“We thought that the site would simply cause more congestion on that road and are well aware of the problems.”

In a transport review projection regarding the increase in traffic caused by the petrol station it is estimated an extra 737 more vehicles per weekday will visit the site on top of another 583 on a Saturday or Sunday, increasing visits by 30%.

The planning application was put in to Wiltshire Council on Wednesday, April 20 and ASDA will be running a public consultation until June 1.

An ASDA spokesperson said: “We have submitted plans for a new petrol station at our store in Melksham, our fuel offer will provide low priced petrol and diesel to the local community.”

To view the planning application go to the Wiltshire Council planning application and use application number: 16/03811/FUL.