Councillors have unanimously decided to defer a decision on controversial plans for a new petrol station in Warwick, saying more information is needed.

Planning officers at Warwick District Council (WDC) had recommended planning permission be granted for Euro Garages Group to demolish the current Stratford Road station, and build a new modern facility.

However, over 100 residents had objected to the scheme, raising a number of concerns about noise and parking.

And speaking at last week's WDC planning committee meeting, one resident questioned why the proposed acoustic barrier did not appear to stretch the entire length of the proposed development.

"Why was a barrier deemed unnecessary for the property that is closest and most affected but necessary for those at a greater distance?" she asked. 

"I am puzzled to that reasoning. 

"Is it because by putting an acoustic barrier on that side of the property the EVC's will be too close to the PFS [petrol filling station]? 

"In which case that proves the site is too small for the development as it stands."

Councillors were in agreement and asked for clarification on the 2.7 metre high barrier - but spotted that some of the plans appeared to show it stretched completely around the back of the site, whereas some showed it only partly boarded the development.

"There is a lack of clarity in terms of what the proposal is in terms of the extent of the acoustic barrier and a number of members have expressed concern about the situation if it doesn't extend along the whole of the left hand boundary," explained development manager Gary Fisher.

"It feels like there might be some additional information that members need, can we be absolutely clear on what is proposed and what opportunities are there in terms of extending that noise attenuation barrier further. 

"Or alternatively a real clear explanation as to why that isn't considered necessary."

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of deferring the decision to allow officers to clarify the points with the environmental health officer and the applicant.

If approved, the scheme could see new EV chargers installed at the site, as well as a new shop and petrol pumps.

A new Asda Express store has recently opened at the filling station, and has now applied for an alcohol licence to sell booze 24/7.

See the full planning application here.