Decision on EV chargers for BP service station in Cambridge is delayed

A decision on installing new electric vehicle chargers at a petrol station in Cambridge has been delayed.

Cambridge city councillors said they were unclear from the plans how many trees could be at risk of being cut down and also raised questions about water supply and drainage.

The application from Motor Fuel Group sought permission to demolish the car wash at the BP petrol station on Elizabeth Way to make way for four EV chargers. Four new jet washers were proposed in place of the car wash.

It said it was part of plans to roll out EV chargers across its service stations.

But neighbours voiced concern over the longer opening hours proposed and whether the forecourt had enough space.

At a meeting of the city council’s planning committee last Wednesday (March 1), Cllr Jenny Gawthrope Wood (Lab, King’s Hedges) was also concerned about space for cars to move about on the forecourt, but was “really pleased” to see proposals for EV chargers.

A planning officer said the applicant had submitted information to show that a turning circle could be made by a “normal size car”.

Cllr Alex Collis (Lab, King’s Hedges) asked whether the proposals could be altered to avoid a potential loss of trees next to the site. Other councillors agreed, but there was confusion over what was at risk, with existing trees not included in the plans..

Cllr Naomi Bennett (Green, Abbey) and Cllr Katie Thornburrow (Lab, Petersfield) about the amount of water that would be used by the new jet washers given the area’s water supply issues.

Cllr Collis said the committee did not have enough information and “did not feel comfortable” making a decision. The committee agreed to defer the application to seek more details.