PLANS for an extension to the hours Morrisons can sell alcohol have been objected to, and will now be discussed at a committee meeting.

Morrisons Petrol Station, in Worting Road, had hoped to start selling alcohol and other goods from its premises 24-hours a day.

The plans were submitted to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) on October 25 and a consultation period ended last Friday.

Morrisons has also submitted a planning application to BDBC, requesting permission to extend its existing kiosk in order to provide additional retail space and additional parking bays granted on Monday.

However, Brookvale and Kings Furlong ward councillor, Cllr Michael Westbrook feels “let down by Morrisons” and believes the expanding of retail hours on items such as alcohol could cause an increase in anti-social behaviour near the petrol station.

Cllr Westbrook said: “I just don’t think that there is a need for this petrol station to be selling alcohol at any time of the day or night.

“The main store and the petrol station are already open until 11pm for six nights of the week already.

“Isn’t that late enough?

“I’ve been speaking to lots of nearby residents and they are worried that round the clock availability of alcohol from this petrol station will encourage street drinking and anti-social behaviour in the early hours of the morning in our community.”

Cllr Westbrook added: “I feel a little let down by Morrisons to be honest. 

“I thought they wanted to be part of this community, not just another national retailer squeezing everything it can from us.

“I hope they think again about their actions.”

Currently, Morrisons Petrol Station is open 6am until 11.30pm from Monday until Saturday and 8am until 11pm on Sunday.

It is believed the petrol station does not currently sell alcohol, though the supermarket giant refused to give any details. BDBC said it was unable to comment on the application until it had gone to a committee meeting, expected at some point later this year.

Morrisons also declined to comment until after the hearing.

What do you think? Email your views to newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk