DESPITE plans for a petrol station on the A339 being given the go-ahead in June, work is yet to begin.

Kingsclere Parish Council vice-chairman Councillor John Sawye told the latest meeting: “In principle, planning permission has been granted but there are still some small issues to be worked out.”

Chairman Cllr Alan Denness said he hoped work would begin at the site, which has been vacant for more than a year, very soon.

Planning permission was granted to demolish the existing petrol station and on-site bungalow and replace it with a new shop, forecourt, canopy and car wash, and to replace the existing underground fuel tanks with new tanks.

The petrol station is set to open 24-hours a day and to employ 20 people – 10 full-time and 10 part-time.

It had been hoped that the petrol station would be open in October, but Cllr Denness said this is looking unlikely.

When the original planning application was lodged, the plans attracted both letters of support and objection.

Those objecting to the plan had concerns about the 24-hour opening leading to activity, noise and disruption at night, and concerns over flooding risks due to an increase in hard standing and roof area.

Others wrote in support, saying the station would be an improvement on the current site and pointing out that many want a local petrol station in Kingsclere.