A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to build a storage shed and maintain lorries at a disused filling station near Broughton has been approved.

Salisbury planners gave the go-ahead to Michael Davis's application at Stockbridge Road filling station, Lopcombe Corner--despite opposition from the parish council and neighbouring property owners.

Parish councillors had said the building would constitute overdevelopment of the site and would be out of proportion to other buildings in the area. They also claimed it appeared to be too large for the proposed usage.

Planners received seven letters of objection, reasons included overdevelopment and the size of the building.

There were also concerns about potential noise nuisance from late night activity on the site.

Existing structures on the site, along the A30 Stockbridge to Salisbury road, are to be demolished and the disused fuel tanks filled in.

Trees and shrubs are to be planted at the front and side boundaries.

Planner, Tim Slaney, said the proposal represented an "alternative employment use" for the site.

"In addition, the permission already granted for car sales and associated activities acknowledges the principle of re-using the site for an employment-based land use.

"Furthermore, a number of commercial and vehicle-based operations already exist in the vicinity. The principle of the use is, therefore, considered acceptable and in line with the adopted local plan policy."

Looking at the impact the building would have, Mr Slaney said: "It is recognised it would be larger than the existing office on the site and that the building would be closer to the highway than the existing building.

"However, there are a number of factors that are considered relevant. The height of the building at 3.6 metres to eaves and 5 metres to ridge height, is not considered unduly large and equates, in terms of height, to a residential property or other commercial buildings in the vicinity.

"The height is also below that of the existing canopy. In addition the proposal is set behind the front line of the canopy and is some 12.5 metres back from the carriageway edge. It is not therefore considered unduly close to the highway as to dominate its setting."

Turning to other possible problems, Mr Slaney added: "The use proposed is for storage of rigid vehicles and limited maintenance or repairs. Notwith- standing concerns regarding use and noise, the environmental health officer raises no objection.

"It is acknowledged that if the site were used for general vehicle storage it would become a visual eyesore, notwithstanding the degree of landscaping. Therefore, as attached to the car sales permission, it is considered appropriate to limit the total number of vehicles on site to five."

This allowed for limited external non-secure storage if necessary, but avoided a proliferation of vehicles and was considered commensurate with the limit of 10 cars for sale on the site as previously approved.

Approving the application, planners imposed a string of conditions recommended by officers.