Shrewsbury garage 'may explode' if superstore is built

Developer Morbaine wants to build the new store on Hereford Road in Shrewsbury, close to an existing BP garage.

But bosses of Malthurst Limited, who are the leaseholders and operators of the garage, have raised serious concerns about plans for the 21,500ft out-of-town store.

Cheshire-based Morbaine says the store could create up to 200 jobs and involves the relocation of EA Downes MOT garage to purpose-built premises elsewhere on the site.

If approved, the supermarket would create a 121 space car park, service area, cycle parking, trolley bays, staff parking area and a new junction off Hereford Road.

But Peter O'Brien, for Malthurst , has submitted a two page list of objections to Shropshire Council, including concerns that the new supermarket junction would restrict access to the petrol station which has been trading at the site for more than 40 years.

He also claimed heavy traffic passing close to the unloading area around a tank where fumes are present would cause an increased risk of an explosion.

He said: "Heavy traffic exiting the supermarket during deliveries will inevitably result in a large number of motorists passing through a zone where hazardous vapours may be present, resulting in a heightened risk of fire and explosion."

He also confirmed that no consultation had been held between the developers and the BP garage owners before plans were submitted.

Graham Adams, development director for Morbaine, said he was aware of the objections.

"A lot of motorists already use the site so if there is a risk of vapours as a result of these proposals then that risk exists today," he said.

"It all seems a bit alarmist to me but we are seeking a meeting with Malthurst Limited to resolve the situation."

He added that discussions were still ongoing with the potential occupiers of the store, with "one of the big four" retail giants of Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda or Morrisons likely to be chosen.