Fuel expansion plans given the go-ahead

2:38am Saturday 12th April 2008

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Planners are calling for highway improvements after giving a proposal to expand a fuel storage facility the green light.

Semlogistics, based at Waterston, plans to demolish 26 small tanks and replace them with 12 new ones, to create an extra 134,002 cubic metres of fuel storage.

The plans, which would make the UK's biggest independent fuel storage depot even bigger, were discussed by Pembrokeshire County Council's planning committee on Tuesday.

Cllr Ken Edwards said: "I will support this application because it's about job creation, and about sustaining communities, but I do have concerns about the living environment people endure in the village.

They are having to cope with massive expansion on the western side, and the old refinery going out.

"It does concern me that people who have put up with a lot are not getting a fair crack of the whip in terms of monitoring traffic."

The company is being asked for a contribution towards a traffic study, which will look into plans for relief road schemes in the area. Negotiations about the work are currently ongoing.

Cllr Henry Jones said: "I used to travel to Waterston in 1965 for work, and there has not been much improvement to the roads.

"A feasibility study is not worth anything unless someone comes there with the money to do something about it."

Several councillors were concerned about the impact of traffic on residents, because of the narrow road.

Cllr Huw George said: "There really is a major problem in Waterston that we need to look at. This application will may kick start something of benefit to Waterston."

Members approved the application, and also granted hazardous substances consent in connection with the refurbishment plans.