A NEW petrol station could be squeezed into land next to the A34 if controversial plans are given the go-ahead.

A developer has returned with a revised scheme to build the roadside services, which will feature a filling station, shop, electric car charging points and drive-thru, on the Chilton Interchange.

The plans, which were first logged last summer but then withdrawn, have now been re-submitted to Vale of White Horse District Council.

If given permission, the services would be built on a triangle of land north of Chilton village at the A34/A4185 Newbury Road junction, next to Harwell campus.

Built on former agricultural land opened up as part of the £11million Chilton Interchange project, which was completed in 2016, the site would accessible from both sides of the major road.

Strutt and Parker, the agent for the project, has not commented further but a statement prepared as part of the planning application said: "This proposal allows the opportunity to create up to date contemporary facilities that sits sympathetically within its surroundings and creates a more attractive and uplifting space to visit and work in."

The services would feature two single storey timber buildings; one housing a forecourt shop, the other intended to be a drive-thru restaurant although the intended occupant for this has not been revealed.

Up to 40 car parking spaces will be provided for customers of the restaurant while a further nine will be sited on the forecourt itself.

Chilton Parish Council 'strongly objected' to the scheme when it was previously proposed because of road safety fears and a lack of need locally.

This section of the A34 already has a petrol station, known as the Berkshire Downs filling station, less than 1km away.

This was taken over by M&S Fuels in October and is being rebranded as a Shell garage.

There is also a large BP garage at Milton Heights, 6km from the site of the proposed new services.

When asked about the new application, the Chair of Chilton Parish Council Chris Broad said: "We have not yet had a public meeting to discuss our position on it but will be examining it closely and will release our comments in due course."

The council has also previously raised concerns about the increased number of cars coming off both carriageways adding to congestion and increasing the potential for accidents, particularly at peak times.

Harwell campus also objected the last time the scheme was proposed along with dozens of Chilton residents.

In a written submission, the science campus previously said: "The apparently short merge distance is a major safety concern, given the number of lorries using the slow lane of the A34 at this location. Drivers can suddenly be forced to merge next to, and between, a number of lorries with obvious potential safety issues."

Former Vale chairman and councillor for the area Reg Waite said he was aware of the concerns but was suspending judgement until he has had a chance to go through the proposals with a fine comb.

He said: "We certainly need to have a look at this closely. I know that many are not in favour of it."

County councillor Mike Fox-Davies said: "All I will say is it is being squeezed into a very small area."