Plans for a new fuel storage and distribution depot in Market Drayton which would create up to 20 new jobs have been opposed by town councillors.
Details of the plans, to include the construction of three 100,000 litre storage tanks and a loading gantry at Maer Lane Industrial Estate in Llewellyn Roberts Way, were discussed at a planning meeting last Thursday.
Councillors voted eight to five against the plans by Hull-based fuel distribution company Rix Petroleum, with Shropshire Council expected to make its decision next month.
If approved, the depot would be built on a site formerly used by Longslow Dairies until 2005 and Butters Coaches which went into administration last year.
Councillors opposed the plans on health and safety grounds, believing the site to be too close to housing estates and the Pork Farm Palethorpes factory in Maer Lane.
But Rix Petroleum director Ruairidh Beath said: “Rix Petroleum is a family owned company that has operated for over 125 years.
“We take our responsibilities to neighbours, staff and customers very seriously and we were disappointed to hear of the objection from Market Drayton Town Council.
“When people read about fuel storage they have natural concerns, however this site will only store a relatively low volume of low risk fuels such as heating oil and diesel which is commonly stored at domestic and commercial premises.
“We will not be storing petrol on this site.
“Rix Petroleum is looking to put significant investment into the area which, among other benefits for the community, will include the creation of up to 20 new jobs.
“We look forward to working with Market Drayton Town Council to find the best way forward for all concerned.”
Councillor Val Taylor, who spoke against the plans, said: “What we require is more information on it because what we’ve seen at the moment doesn’t give us a very good insight into what they’re going to do there.
“I know it’s an industrial estate but there are housing estates all around it so it would be better on the outskirts of Market Drayton, not in the centre of it.
“I don’t imagine for one minute that they’d want to do anything that was dangerous for people.
“But it’s the fuel that worries me and we’d just like to know what they envisage setting up there.”
