A PREVIOUSLY abandoned service station on the A31 is being redeveloped to house a new petrol filling station and retail space, including an Asda and vape shop.
The new Red Post service station currently under construction along the A31 at Winterborne Zelston will welcome a micro Asda store with a Greggs, a Leon Coffee and vape shop Totally Wicked after more than three years since the previous site closed.
Euro Garages received permission from Dorset Council last year to demolish the existing kiosk, restaurant and forecourt to construct the new 250sqm facility – which will replace a former BP petrol station, Londis store and Little Chef restaurant.
A seperate coffee shop with a drive through facility is also being built. It is not yet known who will occupy this space.
Approved plans allow for a “new forecourt, underground fuel tanks, canopy, car and cycle parking, landscaping and sales building including store, office, [toilets] and convenience store with ancillary food counter.
The number of car parking spaces on the site will be reduced from 26 to 20 as a result of the changes. This, along with potential 24-hour trading times, has led to concerns from some neighbours and the parish council.
Lower Winterborne Parish Council previously said while the redevelopment of the dis-used site was welcomed, it had “extreme concern about the 24-hour nature of the proposal” as well as noise and light pollution.
Despite more than a year of planning, some residents are still uneasy about the new station.
Site neighbour Allan Winter said: “During the initial planning application we raised the issue of lights, which in the past had been used to light the car park at the rear of the building. These lights shone directly into our bedroom.
“When we attended the parish council meeting, we were assured that this would no longer be the case yet here we are with a plethora of illuminated signs which will be lit 24 hours per day. What provision will be made to prevent light pollution affecting us and other residents in Winterborne Zelston which, at present, is free from such pollution?”
Construction has been ongoing since November last year and is expected to be completed in the summer.
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