Warehouse decision deferred for further surveys
Family-run wholesaler Gompels Healthcare Ltd has applied for permission to build on the site near Bath Road in Melksham, Wiltshire.
But the plans have attracted opposition from local residents. About 400 people have commented on the application on Wiltshire Council's website, with the majority opposing it.
The council's planning committee decided at a meeting on Tuesday that further ecological surveys were required to consider the habitat, noise and flood risks presented by the application.
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A petition signed by 45 people stated they were objecting because of the planned number of visits to the warehouse each day, while there were also concerns about road safety, particularly near Melksham Oak School.
Resident Michelle McAlinden said it would bring "more traffic and noise, and make life worse for people who live nearby".
However, a spokesperson for Gompels said the site was "the only viable option" and that the building would be "far less disruptive than a housing development".
Part of the site is within a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
In addition to the warehouse, the application also seeks permission to build offices and a parking area.
Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
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Stocks to watch next week: BP, Diageo, Disney, Uber and WPP
This week several key companies are set to release earnings, giving markets some insight into their performance and future prospects. BP (BP.L) will report its second-quarter results on Tuesday, with analysts expecting earnings of $1.35 per share and $60bn (£45.2bn) in revenue. Investors will focus on the company's oil and gas output, capital expenditure plans, and any updates regarding its transition to cleaner energy sources. Diageo (DGE.L) is set to release its full-year results also on Tuesday, with expectations for continued growth driven by strong demand for its premium spirits. Investors will be focused on the company's sales trends in key markets like the US and China, as well as any updates on its acquisitions and sustainability initiatives. Walt Disney (DIS) will release its results on Wednesday, with attention on its media networks, theme parks, and streaming services. Analysts expect earnings of $1.47 per share and $23.7bn in revenue, and investors will be watching for updates on subscriber growth for Disney+ and the recovery of its parks business. Uber Technologies (UBER) will also report its second-quarter results on Wednesday, with analysts projecting earnings of $0.62 per share and $12.46 bn in revenue. The stock's performance will hinge on how well Uber can continue to grow its ride-hailing and food delivery services, as well as how management addresses rising competition and regulatory challenges. WPP (WPP.L) will report its second-quarter results on Thursday, with attention on the strength of its advertising business amid economic challenges. Analysts will be looking for insights into performance across its global markets and any potential impact from shifting marketing budgets. Here's more on what to look out for: BP (BP.L) — releases second-quarter results on Tuesday 5 August BP's (BP.L) second-quarter update comes at a challenging time for the oil major, as it faces declining oil and gas prices. The company has yet to deliver a meaningful boost to shareholder returns since its strategy shift, and activist investor Elliott has raised concerns over its lagging performance. First-quarter results showed weak cash flow and pressure on its refining margins, with the second-quarter numbers expected to be similarly muted. Analysts predict a pre-tax profit of $4.6bn, up from $4.2bn in Q1 but still below the $6bn levels BP enjoyed in the past. The company's cash flow, especially with rising net debt, remains a key issue, with net debt forecast to stand at $24.9bn by Q1 2025. "BP (BP.L) is under significant pressure, especially with oil and gas prices continuing to slide and its renewable transition struggling to gain momentum," Russ Mould, AJ Bell investment director, Danni Hewson, AJ Bell head of financial analysis and Dan Coatsworth, AJ Bell investment analyst, wrote. "The company's cash flow and its rising debt will be top of mind for investors, and any plans to offload underperforming assets, like Castrol, will be crucial in reducing debt and stabilising the company's balance sheet." Read more: Defence companies post strong results as UK investors back the sector over AI In the face of weaker refining results and less volatility in trading operations, shareholders are looking to the company's management for insights into the future of its asset disposal programme, particularly concerning its underperforming Castrol unit. "BP's (BP.L) transition strategy, while well-intentioned, has yet to show the kind of returns investors were hoping for," AJ Bell added. "This second-quarter report will be critical in signalling whether BP is capable of improving its cash flow and reducing its debt burden while staying on course for its long-term energy transition." Investors will also be keen to know more about the rumour that rival Shell (SHEL.L) was in talks to buy the oil major. Both companies have denied the possibility of a merger but markets still believe BP (BP.L) to be a firm takeover target. "The fact rumours keep circulating might suggest there is some truth in the matter, be it Shell or someone else looking to buy the UK oil and gas producer," Dan Coatsworth, an investment analyst at AJ Bell, said. 'Shell says it hasn't been actively considering an offer, but that doesn't mean it won't do so in the future.' BP (BP.L) was once valued at more than £140bn but is currently valued at £57bn. Its relatively cheap valuation compared to its peers makes it a firm takeover target for larger companies in the oil and gas sector. It has lost almost a quarter of its value over the last two years, while its competitors in Europe and the US have managed to grow and rake in record profits. Diageo (DGE.L) — releases full-year results on Tuesday 5 August Shares in Diageo (DGE.L), which have fallen nearly 25% in 2025, remain at levels not seen since 2016. The drinks giant, home to key brands like Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, and Guinness, has struggled with several pressures. These include shifting drinking habits, particularly among younger consumers who are turning away from alcohol, and the impact of inflation, which has pushed many to opt for cheaper alternatives. Adding to concerns, Diageo's (DGE.L) CEO, Debra Crew, recently resigned, casting further doubt on the company's performance. Despite these challenges, management has maintained its previous guidance, which will serve as a benchmark for the upcoming figures. Interim CEO and CFO, Nik Jhangiani, will present the results for the year ending June, where analysts expect a modest 1.4% organic sales growth to $20.2bn, with operating profits projected to drop slightly to $5.7bn. "Diageo's struggle with evolving consumer habits and inflationary pressures is reflected in its underperformance this year," AJ Bell analysts said. "The resignation of CEO Debra Crew adds uncertainty, but the company's guidance remains a critical point for comparison, and investors will be looking for concrete actions on debt and operational restructuring." Regional performance will be a key area of focus, particularly in Latin America, where the company has continued to struggle. 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The consensus from Zachs Equity Research suggests that Disney will post earnings of $1.47 per share, which would represent a 5.8% year-over-year increase. Revenues are projected to be $23.7bn, a 2.4% rise compared to the same quarter last year. These expectations suggest steady growth, but how the actual results stack up against these estimates could have a significant impact on Disney's stock price in the short term, analysts warned. Disney's (DIS) stock could experience an upward move if the company reports earnings that exceed analyst expectations. A strong beat on key metrics could signal strength in its core businesses, such as theme parks and streaming services, which investors will be closely watching. Read more: The 'cheapest' stocks on FTSE 100 as UK blue-chip index trades at record high However, if Disney (DIS) misses earnings expectations, particularly in its critical media and entertainment divisions, the stock may react negatively. The company's long-term outlook will also depend on its ability to navigate ongoing challenges in the streaming market and its response to changing consumer trends. Disney's performance in Q2 2025 will be closely scrutinised for signs of continued revenue growth, especially in its streaming platforms like Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu. Analysts will be keen to understand if the company's is able to balance its traditional media business with new-age streaming modes. Uber (UBER) — Reports second-quarter earnings on Wednesday 6 August Wall Street is anticipating a year-over-year increase in earnings for Uber Technologies (UBER) when the company reports its Q2 2025 results. The consensus outlook suggests higher revenues and stronger earnings growth, but how Uber's actual results compare to these expectations will play a major role in determining the stock's short-term price movement. 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WPP (WPP.L) has already acknowledged losing key accounts and signalled ongoing weakness in China, while macroeconomic conditions have dampened demand for big-ticket ad campaigns. The company has lowered its full-year guidance, expecting a decline in like-for-like sales of 3-5% for 2025. In response, the board has fast-tracked a CEO succession plan, with Cindy Rose set to take the helm from Mark Read on 1 September. Read more: London IPO fundraising slumps in blow to UK Operating profit for the first half is expected to be between £400m and £425m, down from prior expectations. Analysts are also eyeing WPP's decision on its dividend. After a 15p interim payout last year and a total of 39.4p for 2024, a dividend cut is now considered a possibility. WPP (WPP.L) last ran a share buyback in 2022. "WPP is facing both cyclical and structural headwinds, from reduced campaign spend to the disruptive effects of AI," said AJ Bell. 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Car finance judgement 'a hard pill to swallow'
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Rentokil Initial PLC (RKLIF) (Q2 2025) Earnings Call Highlights: Revenue Growth and Strategic ...
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