A SIX-PUMP petrol station is to be built at the Asda superstore in Ferring, despite objections from residents.

The application was approved by members of Arun District Council’s development control committee during a meeting on Wednesday.

It had previously been refused due to concerns about noise from two planned jet washes.

While the jet washes have since been removed from the application, some councillors wondered if Asda could simply apply for them again at a later date.

Other concerns came from residents in the form of 21 letters of objection, including an 87-name petition.

Worries included noise and light coming from the site as well as pollution and health issues.

Speaking at the

meeting, Stephen Abbott, vice-chairman of Ferring Parish Council, told

members the application went “against the original principle” of the Asda development, which was for it to be set well back so it would not have an impact on the area.

While the station itself will be open between 7am and 10.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays, fuel deliveries can be made as late as 11pm on any day and as early as 6am Monday to Saturday and 7am on Sundays and bank holidays.

Councillors said they were sympathetic to the concerns of nearby residents and some asked why the station could not be built on the other side of the Asda site.

Michael Northeast (Lab, Courtwick with Toddington) accused Asda of being “very unfriendly” when it came to the chosen location.

Pat Dillon (Con, Pevensey) and Jacky Pendleton (Con, Bersted) pointed out that when refusing the

application in March, members had only objected about the possible noise from the jet washes.

Cllr Pendleton said: “Given the only problem was the car wash, I cannot see a good planning reason to turn this down.”

She abstained from the vote in which the application was approved.