A GOVERNMENT planning inspector has thrown out plans from BP Oil to turn the shop at its Petersfield petrol station into a community facility.

BP had appealed against East Hampshire District CouncilÕs refusal to vary the planning permission for the petrol filling station next to McDonalds and close to the A3.

BP wanted to sell more groceries, cold drinks and household goods catering for the surrounding community and not just the travelling public.

Despite a recommendation from planning officers to grant permission earlier this year, members of EHDCÕs south planning committee decided to refuse the plan. They turned it down on the grounds that they did not want the filling station to be turned into a general retail shop in the rural area.

Petersfield town councillors had also objected to BPÕs application, despite a plea from one member, John Crowhurst, who said he believed it would be a valuable community asset.

But this week inspector Roger Mather threw out BPs appeal saying he believed it would cause Òserious harm to the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside.Ó

He also believed it would conflict with national and local objectives regarding sustainable development.

Making his decision this week Mr Mather said: ÒIt is my view that the increase in the range of goods for sale would encourage car borne movements from surrounding residential and employment areas, thereby changing the character of the shop from a facility for the travelling public to a local convenience store.

ÒI also share the councilÕs concern that the proposal is not easily reached on foot or by transport other than the private car.

ÒIn my opinion pedestrian access across Winchester Road is likely to give rise to serious conflict which would further encourage use of the car, thereby undermining national and local sustainable development objectives.Ó

He said any increase in activity by dedicated car visits to the shop, however small, would, in his opinion, be an unnecessary intrusion into the countryside.

Increased traffic would be particularly noticeable in the location, due to its prominent setting in the landscape, added Mr Mather.

ÒAccordingly I do not consider that the internal use of floor space rather than physical extensions and alternations to the sales building, represent sufficient justification for a proposal that would be inappropriate in the countryside.`Ó

But he said he did not believe the proposal would have a significant impact on the health of the town centre and it would be unlikely to seriously impact on One Stop Shop in Charles Street.

Mr Mather also said he did not think that noise and disturbance would be materially worse and would not therefore Òfurther adversely affect the living conditions of nearby residents.Ó