Service station expansion expected to get go-ahead
Plans to double the size of a service station look likely to be approved.
Gillingham Services, in south Norfolk near Beccles, could expand if South Norfolk Council's planning committee offers the green light to the scheme on Wednesday.
Council officers have recommended it is given the go-ahead.
The bid would see a new Marks and Spencer's shop and a Greggs drive-through built.
The current services, off the roundabout between the A146 and A143 Norwich Road close to the Norfolk-Suffolk border, include a petrol station, McDonald's, KFC and Starbucks.
The council has received dozens of objections from locals with concerns, including fears about increased noise and light pollution, as well as heavy traffic in the area.
The proposed development includes a farm shop, electric vehicle charging hub, and six other trade units in addition to Marks and Spencer's and Greggs.
The plans also include a battery energy storage system (BESS) but few details are known about its design and scale at this stage.
It is expected that the development will create around 115 full-time jobs.
In a report to councillors, officers acknowledged concerns, but said the development would provide "overriding" economic and social benefits.
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