PLANNERS are discussing whether to create a new slipway entrance or a roundabout for new motorway services being lined up for Junction 24 off the M5 at Huntworth.

Plans are being 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.

Chris Dadds, director of planning and development for JLL, agents working with Notaro's, gave an update to North Petherton Council last Monday night.

He said that an agreement had been reached with the EG group who own Eurogarages for the development of the motorway service area.

Fifteen acres of the 90 acre development has been set aside for the development of a motorway service area, with petrol station and hotel off land where Notaro Way meets Huntworth Lane.

Asked about how the new service station would be accessed, Mr Dadds said: "We are looking at different options. Ideally cars could come off a slip road straight into the services similar to the layout at Gordano Services. But we are also looking at the viability of having a roundabout mirroring the Huntworth Roundabout the other side of bridge."

Mr Dadds was asked what effect the new services would have on the existing services at J24, which were recently named as the UK's worst services, but said he could not comment as it was a separate business.

Mr Dadds also said that the agents had been instructed to look at the feasibility of putting a grass roof on top of the service station.

"Most disruption for motorists would come during the development of the motorway service area which could take up to six months," Mr Dadds said.

Mayor of North Petherton Cllr Alan Bradford thanked Mr Dadds for attending and hoped the council could be given regular updates on the development.

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.

“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.”