CONSTRUCTION of a new service station on the M5 could begin shortly if revised plans for the site are approved, writes Daniel Mumby.

Under the proposals, a new four-arm roundabout will be constructed to connect the site to the motorway, replacing the existing T-junction between Huntworth Lane and Notaro Way.

The new services will be constructed immediately to the north of this roundabout, with further employment units and light industrial areas being set aside along the M5 slip road and to the south and east of the roundabout.

New pedestrian and cycling facilities will be provided, connecting the development to the existing Bridgwater Way cycle links as the national cycle network via Huntworth Lane.

Bridgwater Lawn Tennis Club will retain its existing premises, with additional landscaping being provided around the entire site to shield the noise from the motorway.

The site is expected to create more than 1,200 jobs over the coming years – though the applicant has not confirmed which brands will be based within the services element of the site.

S Notaro Land Ltd submitted plans in January 2019 to build the facility and other commercial buildings east of Junction 24 of the M5 near Bridgwater.

Sedgemoor District Council’s development committee voted to approve the plans in August 2020, though the legal agreements between the council and the developer were not signed off until September 2021.

Revised plans for the first phase of the development have now been submitted for public consultation, with a decision expected within a matter of weeks.

The council is expected to make a decision on the new proposals by early summer.