ANGRY residents are hoping councillors throw out plans to allow a Crowthorne petrol station to open and to sell alcohol until late at night over fears crime will increase.
Bracknell Forest Council (BFC) granted developers permission to build a BP garage on Bracknell Road in July 2018 despite facing huge opposition from neighbours.
READ MORE: Sandhurst gym set to make way for 13 homesNow residents are facing another battle as station bosses aim to sell alcohol and late night refreshments until midnight.
The garage, which has not yet opened, received permission to open from 6am to midnight when planning permission was given the green light last year, but applicants now also want the store to be open 24 hours a day.
BFC received objections from seven residents angry about the plans, with most outlining worries about potential crime and disorder coming from the long hours.
One wrote: “The extended hours are likely to bring an additional amount of noise pollution and possible disturbances from late night customers which is not in keeping with this quiet neighbourhood and infringes on our human rights of quiet family time and undisturbed nights.”
Another pointed to the disturbances residents suffer from nearby pubs.
They wrote: “Residents of Broadmoor Road and Forest Road frequently suffer noise disturbance and anti-social drunken behaviour late at night as a result of alcohol sales in the two pubs in the High Street.
READ MORE: See who's been in court this week“Neighbours’ fences have been kicked in and our sleep is often disturbed.”
Thames Valley Police (TVP) initially had concerns about the plans, claiming measures suggested by applicants to prevent crime “did not go far enough”.
Following this claim, the applicant agreed to add more measures in order to tackle potential anti-social behaviour.
In addition to CCTV systems, suitable levels of staff, providing bins and challenging customers’ age when they attempt to buy alcohol, staff will also have to undergo training every six months, should record when alcohol sales were refused and should record incidents.
A sign would also be displayed asking customers to respect residents living nearby if the application is approved.
NOW READ: Workshops rolled out in Bracknell to prevent students entering life of crimeCouncillors are set to meet on Wednesday, July 17, in order to decide whether the application should be approved or refused.
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