A SUPERMARKET S expansion plan could see a petrol filling station moved closer to homes in St Neots – and residents have said they are prepared to fight. Tesco has submitted a planning application to Huntingdonshire District Council to expand its store in

A SUPERMARKET'S expansion plan could see a petrol filling station moved closer to homes in St Neots - and residents have said they are prepared to fight.

Tesco has submitted a planning application to Huntingdonshire District Council to expand its store in Barford Road, Eynesbury.

The plans include the relocation of the petrol station to a vacant piece of land opposite the Dumbleton Health Centre in Chapman Way.

Despite public consultation showing most residents were in support of the expansion plans, some homeowners believe a better location could be found for the petrol station.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Hunts Post he thought it was "incompatible to have a petrol station so close to residential houses".

"Surely the vacant land would be better used as car parking for the health centre to enhance facilities at the centre and clear the busy access road to the residential estate," the resident said.

"And do the residents of Chapman Way really want a petrol station on their doorstep?

"Would it not make more sense for Tesco to move the fuel station to the other end of their car park and include access from the A428 St Neots bypass?"

Concerns about nuisance to homeowners were also raised during a public consultation.

In light of this, Tesco removed a car wash from the plans and has been working with acoustic consultants, Sharp Redmore, who have suggested surrounding the filling station with a two metre high acoustic fence.

Tesco says the need for the relocation is to create a safer stream of traffic when the store expands.

During three days of public consultations held in February on the expansion plans customers also highlighted congestion and car crime as being problems at the store.

In a bid to resolve these issues Tesco is investigating installing CCTV and extra lighting.

The store opened 10 years ago and underwent an expansion in 1999. It currently covers of 3,702 sq m and the expansion will see it increased by 1,865 sq m with 98 additional parking spaces, new footpaths and entrance. Tesco has said the expansion could create up to 100 new jobs.

A decision is expected on the planning application by mid-December.

INFORMATION: To review the planning application in full, you can visit www.huntsdc.gov.uk, click on the planning section and type 0703108FUL into the application search option.