PERMISSION to continue using a site in East Cowes for oil distribution is being sought despite it already being occupied for over four months.
Certas Energy submitted the application for a temporary period of a year to 'continue using' the former garage forecourt on York Avenue, in East Cowes, as an 'oil distribution depot' while planning permission is sought for a permanent fuel depot up the road in Whippingham.
An application has already been submitted by the energy company, looking to install three 125,000-litre tanks, an office building and a switch room close to CECAMM at the nearby technology park, just outside of East Cowes.
It took a bigger role in the Island's fuel supply following the closure of Isle of Wight Fuels, who were also in East Cowes.
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While the Whippingham application is determined, Certas have undertaken preparatory work on an area at York Avenue Garage.
Now, a retrospective application is asking to change the use of the York Avenue Garage site after work was completed in December last year, installing an access gate and fence.
The Isle of Wight Council planners confirmed in January this year they were investigating the site after receiving an enforcement complaint.
A Certas spokesperson, however, has said the site has not been operational, work done there so far has just been preparatory — adding an interceptor as well, which will catch any spilled fuel.
Planning documents, submitted on behalf of Certas by Trident Engineering Consultants, say the site would also house a small vehicle and a 12,000-litre wagon, which travels from the mainland to the Island.
They said the wagon would be parked at the site with the smaller vehicle distributing oil around the Island, coming back to the York Avenue site to refill.
Once the fuel distribution is completed on the Island, the vehicles would return to the mainland.
Documents have not specified whether the 12-month period the company is asking for will be from when the application could be approved or from the date the site was first occupied, back in December.
A representative for Island Roads, acting as highways authority, said that despite visiting the site, more information is needed.
To view the proposals, 21/00552/FUL, you can view the council's planning register. Comments will be accepted until May 17.
A spokesperson for Certas Energy said: “When Isle of Wight Fuels closed last year, Certas Energy moved quickly to ensure security of supply to the Isle of Wight. With the support of the council and residents, Certas Energy made sure the Island did not run out of fuel.
“Seven weeks ago, we made a planning application to operate a disused petrol station on York Avenue. This is an area where fuel would be transferred between a truck from the mainland and Island-based vehicles.
"It has already been determined that the site would not pose any environmental risks and we are currently awaiting the outcome of the application.”
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