Following a two day hearing and consideration of extensive expert evidence, Inspector Roger Catchpole allowed an appeal and granted planning permission for the erection of a petrol filling station with sales building, canopy, car parking, 3 no. fuel pumps and ancillary facilities at 5 Welham Road, Norton, North Yorkshire YO17 9DP.

The main issues were identified by the Inspector as the effect of the proposal on the local road network with regard to highways capacity and congestion, air quality with regard to nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter emissions and whether there were more suitable alternative sites with regard to flooding and retail suitability. Additional concerns were raised by local residents relating to living conditions with regard to noise and light pollution, anti-social behaviour and vibration as well as the pollution of water courses, drainage issues and archaeology.

BP was represented at the appeal by Craig Howell Williams KC, instructed by Addleshaw Goddard.