The development application is for a new 385 square metre building to be built on the northern part of the site, which would include a 190 square metre vehicle fuel sales area and a 190 square metre fast food outlet.

West Tamar councillors are due to vote on the proposal from United Petroleum at Tuesday’s meeting.

According to the council agenda a service station has operated from the site for 54 years, with building approval for a service station granted in 1963.

A number of changes were made to the initial proposal recieved by council in an effort the reduce the impact of the development. 

If approved, the drive-thru for the fast food outlet would be between the building and the Bridgenorth Road frontage while a 6.4 metre high pump canopy would extend south from the building over 745 square metres.

A separate 54 square metre truck canopy with one pump base will be built, along with a 1.8 metre high acoustic wall close to the south west boundary. 

The proposed operating hours would also be reduced from the request 24 hours, seven days a week to 5am to 11pm seven days a week.

Three representations were delivered to the council regarding the development, all with concerns about the changes to the site.

Issues ranged from potential diesel odours, air quality, noise, traffic movement, landscaping, fat and smoke emissions, pedestrian safety and driveway access.

“I object to this as I feel it is totally inappropriate in a residential area and will devalue properties in the area,” Legana resident Michael Potter said.

“Also there is a major traffic problem along the highway now without adding to it. There is also a lot of pedestrian use along the footpath from the caravan and hostel.”

Legana resident Garry Cameron-Smith also made an objection.

“No pedestrian walkways have been addressed from the intersection of West Tamar Highway heading up the Bridgenorth Road … [it] is already a very dangerous road for the elderly and children who use the road.”