THE latest plans for a petrol filling station next to the McDonald's restaurant at Buckmore Farm in Petersfield have been given the green light.
At a meeting of East Hampshire District Council's south planning sub-committee, councillors decided to support the proposal for a BP filling station with shop building, car wash and cashpoint.
But some concern was expressed about plans for the shop, which councillors described as a "significant retail outlet".
Outline permission for a motorist service area at the site off Winchester Road was originally granted in 1987 and was renewed in 1993.
An application for an hotel with restaurant and petrol station was withdrawn earlier this year.
Now plans for the BP petrol filling station development have been given the go-ahead and will include dome roofs over the car wash and canopy that will be fitted with solar panels.
Some councillors were unhappy about the size of the shop and sales area, which included plans for a small seating area where people could buy hot and cold drinks as well as food.
Teresa Jamieson said she was concerned about light from the petrol station forecourt and asked councillors to consider the application carefully.
She said: "This is a very sensitive site that is visible from many of the hills surrounding Petersfield. I would like to make a plea to the applicant that all the light shines down.
"This is a difficult site in that it is on the edge of town and may have an effect on the town centre.
"This is one of the first petrol stations you come to from the coast and I think we are going to have to accept that people are going to want to buy the odd item.
"But I cannot see why anyone would want to stop off and buy frozen foods."
Brian Dutton said an easy solution to cope with the sale of too many groceries would be to restrict the size of the building.
After discussion, councillors agreed conditions to restrict the sale of good on the site and gave permission to the application.