Wells 24-hour Budgens plan refused over noise fears

By Laura Linham 14th Jul 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 hour ago

Plans for a Wells petrol station and Budgens shop to open 24 hours a day have been thrown out by councillors over fears neighbours could be hit by late-night noise and disturbance. Somerset Council's Planning Committee East refused the application for the Bath Road site on Tuesday, 7 July.

Motor Fuel Group had applied to change the opening hours at the petrol filling station and shop at 6 Bath Road, around half a mile from the city centre. Planning officers had recommended approval, but councillors decided the plan would risk harming the amenity of nearby residents during the night.

The site is currently restricted to opening between 6 am and 10 pm from Monday to Saturday, and between 7 am and 10 pm on Sundays. The application sought permission for the business to operate around the clock, seven days a week.

The official decision notice says the application was refused because of the potential impact on neighbouring homes. Councillors cited noise and disturbance during the night as the key reason for rejecting the bid.

Before the meeting, the applicant suggested selling fuel and other goods through a night pay window outside the current permitted hours, while keeping the main shop closed. The officer report said that change was put forward in response to concerns about possible anti-social behaviour, but also noted it had not been subject to public consultation.

Wells City Council objected to the proposal after concerns were raised locally about noise and light pollution. Wells councillor Theo Butt Philip also objected, which meant the application had to be considered by the planning committee rather than being dealt with by officers.

Objections included concerns about engines, car doors, conversations and music late at night. Residents also raised worries about extra traffic movements, anti-social behaviour, crime, public safety and the effect of light pollution on nearby homes.