Oil depot plan revived after summer withdrawal

The site was being used when the planning application was submitted

Plans to site an oil depot on the edge of a country park have been revived just months after the company dropped the scheme following widespread criticism.

Anglers and environmental groups had warned the proposal could have a catastrophic impact on fish and wildfowl in lakes near Twyford, Berkshire.

Greater Manchester-based Speedy Oils had moved onto the site and began operations before being told to stop by Wokingham Borough Council.

The company's application to convert the former garage and MOT test site into an oil distribution depot was withdrawn in August. But this week the firm submitted fresh plans to use the site.

They include demolishing two existing buildings and re-cladding another on top of installing eight fuel tanks.

The firm, which supplies product, including domestic heating oil, said it needed the site after being told to leave its previous base in Berkshire.

Just hours after the proposal went live on the council's website, it had already attracted its first letter of objection from a resident.

Previously, opponents said fumes from the operation would impact those using a country park just feet away.

They also raised concerns about heavy lorries entering and leaving the site and fears about oil leaking into fishing lakes.