Asda has withdrawn plans to build a new petrol station at its Highbridge store in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset after objections over safety issues.

Somerset County Council’s Transport Development Group raised concerns about the "unacceptable" restricted visibility for motorists leaving the petrol station, as it would be on a sharp bend.

The website, www.burnham-on-sea.com, reported that there was also a letter of objection from an architectural consultant representing owners of local petrol stations. It highlighted the economic impact of the Asda forecourt and claimed that with three stations already serving the town, there was no need for another.

Asda had said the station would have been unmanned most of the time, although it would have a ’forecourt greeter’ 65 hours a week to help customers at busy trading times. And to reduce the noise impact to local residents, it had planned restricted opening hours of 7am-10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays.

Asda is expected to amend its plans and resubmit a new application.