A proposed extension to a Southampton petrol station shop is set to be approved despite claims the scheme will make life “intolerable” for neighbouring residents.

Motor Fuel Limited tabled the planning application to add a ‘food to go’ offer at the Hampton Park Service Station in Bassett.

The development has been recommended for approval by officers ahead of a meeting of Southampton City Council’s planning and rights of way panel on Tuesday, June 10.

The application is seeking permission to add an extension to the north and east of the existing sales building.

A planning officer’s report said this would provide an additional ‘food to go’ unit in the building on the site, which sits at the junction of Burgess Road and Glen Eyre Road.

“It is understood this additional counter will be operated as a bakery, like a Greggs, offering pre-made food that is baked and kept warm,” the report said.

The scheme includes bin storage to the south of the existing store, a rearrangement of customer parking and an additional two car parking spaces for staff to mitigate the loss of an existing area behind the current building.

Initially, the application included an electric vehicle charging hub, however, this was removed as part of post-submission amendments.

A statement submitted on behalf of the applicant by JMS Planning and Development said the proposal would allow Hampton Park Service Station to be brought up to modern day standards.

The proposal has been referred to the elected member panel due to the number of objections that were received during a public consultation.

Six residential properties had made presentations against the application, citing issues over noise and disturbance, additional lighting, overdevelopment and setting a precedent for other petrol station locations.

Bassett ward councillors Richard Blackman and Sarah Wood both submitted their concerns to the planning department.

Cllr Blackman said: “Disturbance to neighbouring residents through noise and light pollution is already significant, and these plans will make life for them intolerable.”

He said he believed the plans were an intensification of activities and would result in greater noise disturbance to neighbouring residents.

“It appears to be aiming to become a destination rather than simply a petrol station serving the local community,” Cllr Blackman added.

The officer’s report said they were mindful of the concerns raised by nearby residents and elected members.

A proposed condition would limit the ‘food to go’ offer to operate from 7.30am to 7pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 7pm on Sundays and public holidays.

In summarising their position, the officer’s report said: “Having reviewed the history of the site, and engaged the council’s environmental health team, it is considered that the proposed food counter will remain an ancillary reason for visiting the site and (providing the hours when the food offer is available is restricted) officers are, on balance, minded to support the amended application.”