HUNTWORTH could be set to get a new service station on the M5 southbound.

Plans have been prepared by developer S Notaro Land Ltd, who own on the eastern side of junction 24, for a new service station as well as a large employment area and area of residential use.

S Notaro Land Ltd says there is up to 90 acres of land available in total and the service station would be served by a new roundabout, where Notaro Way meets Huntworth Lane.

There is no indication of how many new homes would be built as part of the development but two areas totalling 15 acres have been earmarked.

The application documents from S Notaro Land say: “Given the concerns with the existing facility, it is proposed that a new, purpose built, motorway service area be created on the east side of the M5 in order to provide a comprehensive range of services for travellers, and this will be part of the wider junction 24 development area.”

A total of 15 acres has been been outlined for this facility which would include a service station, petrol station and a hotel.

Bridgwater Mercury:

S Notaro Land say with the development of Hinkley C the town will continue to prove attractive to logistics operations in particular, and argue the land is an attractive option for a large employment site.

“Currently only Bridgwater Gateway offers a large area of serviced land for design and build options,” the report says.

“Committed land at Huntspill Energy Park requires significant site preparation work, including the delivery of a new access road, before it can be occupied. 

“The limited supply of land in the short term has the potential to constrain growth and therefore limit the potential of the area to meet Core Strategy and Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership aspirations for high value, energy based job creation.

“Of the sites being considered for employment allocations, the Huntworth Junction 24 land is considered the most suitable because it is immediately available, can be developed quickly and is commercially attractive to a mix of potential occupiers.”

The developers have asked Sedgemoor District Council for its views on whether the application will require an Environmental Impact Assessment.

On large developments, this is part of the pre-application work before the proposal is formally submitted for consideration by the council and a public consultation launched.