CONTROVERSIAL plans to create a truck stop on the outskirts of Cirencester have sparked protests by local residents.

Zesta Planning, a town planning and development consultancy based in Gloucestershire, is proposing to build the facility on land at Ermin Way Farm off Gloucester Road, Stratton.

However, fears have been raised that the truck stop will encourage more “rat running” through Daglingworth, ‘increase pollution’ and ‘exacerbate considerable delays’.

The application includes HGV and car parking, a service yard, landscaping works, a driver’s welfare and facilities building and access road.

The truck stop will accomodate 75 HGV parking spaces.

The site is said to be a suitable location to provide a truck stop given its proximity to the A417 and its links to the M5 and M4. However, since the application was submitted to Cotswold District Council, it has only received one supporting comment with 70 comments objecting to the plans.

The site falls within the boundaries of Daglingworth Parish Council, who have also submitted a letter objecting to the application.

In a letter, parish chair Graham White said: “The site falls within The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If it can be demonstrated that a truck stop facility should be built between the M4 and M5 motorways the parish council believes such a facility would be better located outside the AONB.

“The applicant has not provided details of lighting which could be seriously intrusive for this prominent and rural location. The application site is adjacent to a Spot Height of 178m which makes it one of the highest points in this part of the Cotswolds. Gloucester Road, Stratton provides superb views of the town and church.

“For many years Daglingworth has suffered from “rogue” lorries travelling through the village, often damaging property by virtue of their turning manoeuvres on narrow roads.

“Notwithstanding several road signs at Daglingworth Quarry roundabout lorries do not seem to be deterred, possibly because of incorrect satnav directions.

“It is felt that these problems would be greatly exacerbated if the scheme was to be built causing great suffering to many residents living alongside the roads.

“We feel that a truck stop will encourage more “rat running” through the village as well as increasing the number of vehicles using Gloucester Road in and out of Cirencester."