Fuel depot plan near nature reserve pulled again

A plan for a fuel depot on the edge of a nature reserve has been pulled for a second time.

Anglers and environmental groups warned about potential damage to fish and wildfowl in lakes in Old Bath Road, in Charvil, Berkshire.

Lancashire-based Speedy Fuels moved onto the site near Loddon Nature Reserve and started work there before being told to stop by Wokingham Borough Council.

It applied to use the former MOT testing station to store and distribute fuel last April but withdrew that in August, before resubmitting its plan with amendments in November. It pulled them again on Wednesday.

The most recent proposal included demolishing two existing buildings, re-cladding another and installing eight fuel tanks.

Speedy Fuels, that supplies products including domestic heating oil, said it needed the site after being told to leave its previous base in Berkshire.

Many people submitted their objection to the plan, including a Charvil resident who said it was "an absolutely ridiculous idea".

Charvil Fishing Society said it worried that the risk of pollution would be "too much" for the site.