Controversial plans for an Esso station on Kindley Field Road, St. George's have run out of gas, courtesy of the Development Applications Board (DAB).

The National Trust had objected to the planned gas station, saying the land had been zoned for recreational use and was situated across from a national park.

The station was to be located on a strip of land across from the Bermuda International Airport, opposite the Bermuda Biological Station for Research.

The Trust also pointed out that the national park was well-used by residents for picnicking and acted as a natural buffer between Hamilton Parish and the town of St. George's.

The Trust also argued a gas station on the site would increase traffic and congestion.

The DAB rejected the application as the submission did not include a clear written explanation detailing whether this was an additional facility or a replacement service station.

It also failed to include evidence of demand for a service station in the area or an analysis of the suitability of the site for the proposed development.

Another stumbling block to the application was that the owner of the property did not authorise the application.

The DAB also said the proposal was not in accordance with the site designation under the Development Plan and Former Bases 1996 in that the preferred land use is recreation and open space and only development required for recreation or other activities associated with public enjoyment are permitted.

The application also failed to include "compelling written grounds'' demonstrating that there are insufficient gas stations to service the current needs of the population as required by the Bermuda Plan 1992 Planning Statement.

Esso Bermuda general manager, Ed Edelson did not want to comment on the matter last night, saying he had not seen the DAB's report.

CHURCH CHU