Rapid EV chargers spark dispute at Hampshire service station
Plans to install two 300kW rapid chargers at Barton Stacey Service Station on the A303 have drawn objections from nearby residents over concerns about noise, light pollution, and drainage issues. Motor Fuel Group’s application to Test Valley Borough Council faces a July 13 decision despite just two public comments filed so far.
Motor Fuel Group has applied to Test Valley Borough Council to transform Barton Stacey Service Station on the A303 into a modern electric vehicle charging hub, sparking immediate backlash from neighbours. The £1.8 million proposal includes two 300kW rapid chargers under a new canopy, four dedicated charging bays, and the relocation of existing fuel pumps to make room for the expansion. If approved, the upgrades would also introduce a substation enclosure and new forecourt layout, all aimed at addressing the national shortfall in high-power charging infrastructure.
Key Points
- ✅ Two 300kW rapid EV chargers proposed at Barton Stacey Service Station on the A303
- ⚡ Plans include four charging bays, new canopy, and relocated fuel pumps
- 💡 Application deadline for public comments set for July 13
Opposition has coalesced around three primary concerns from residents. Dr. Susan Richards, owner of the neighbouring Drayton Manor Park mobile home park, warns that the charging points’ placement will increase light and noise pollution while exacerbating existing flooding issues. Her property sits directly adjacent to the proposed charging zone, and she has demanded detailed runoff management plans to prevent further water damage during heavy rain.
Graham Sturgess, a resident whose bedroom windows face the service station, has filed objections citing privacy intrusion and drainage failures. He alleges that contaminated runoff from the current forecourt already flows onto his property, and he questions how the new canopy’s water management will differ. His concerns extend to traffic congestion on the private road serving Drayton Manor Park, which he fears will worsen with the additional EV traffic.
| Concern | Resident’s Argument | Proposed Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Light Pollution | Charging bays will illuminate the night sky, disrupting sleep | Higher acoustic fencing and shielded lighting |
| Noise Pollution | Hum of chargers and customer activity near residential properties | Sound-dampening barriers and restricted operating hours |
| Drainage Issues | Existing runoff damage to nearby properties | New drainage system with overflow containment |
The planning agent, Carney Sweeney, counters that the project is essential for meeting the UK’s delayed EV charging targets, noting that current infrastructure lags 30 years behind schedule. They argue that en-route charging at rural service stations like Barton Stacey is critical to alleviating range anxiety for long-distance drivers, despite the rural setting’s inherent challenges.
💡 Pro Tip
If you live near a proposed EV charging site, request a full environmental impact assessment from the council—especially for drainage and noise studies—to ensure your concerns are formally documented.
Test Valley Borough Council’s planning portal shows only two public comments have been submitted since the April 22 application, leaving the door open for additional objections before the July 13 determination deadline. The council has yet to schedule a site visit, and no hearings have been announced, raising questions about the transparency of the review process. Motor Fuel Group has not responded publicly to the objections.
📋 By The Numbers
- 2 — Rapid 300kW chargers proposed for Barton Stacey
- 4 — Dedicated EV charging bays included in the plan
- £1.8 million — Estimated cost of the service station upgrades
The broader debate over rural EV infrastructure has intensified as national targets for 300,000 chargers loom. Critics argue that installing high-power chargers in sensitive rural areas risks environmental disruption, while proponents claim the lack of alternatives will stall the transition to electric vehicles. Barton Stacey’s case may set a precedent for how councils balance green energy goals with community concerns.
- 📊 Traffic studies show A303 congestion peaks between 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM
- 🔍 EV charging demand in Hampshire surged 280% in the last two years
- ⚠️ Rural councils lack standardized guidelines for EV charger noise and light pollution