PLANS for a new petrol station and trade counters at Dunball roundabout near J23 of the M5 near Bridgwater have been given the green light, despite objections from local residents.

The application, which was discussed at Sedgemoor District Council's development committee on Tuesday morning (November 12), includes plans to build a new petrol station, two drive-thru units, car parking and access on land north of the roundabout.

The developers, Monte Blackburn Limited, were also granted outline permission for 2,421 square metres of land for offices or warehouses.

The proposed access arrangements to the site comprise an entrance only access for eastbound traffic on the A39 and a new two way T-junction on to the A38.

Combined, the new hot food drive-thru, coffee drive thru and petrol station are expected to create up to 70 new jobs, meanwhile the new trade counters will also provide 'an unquantifiable but large number of new employment opportunities' according to the developer.

Sedgemoor District Council planning director Stuart Houlet said that the site was set aside for development in the Sedgemoor Local Plan.

Mr Houlet said the application fit with the significant change in character the Dunball area was going through as it becomes increasingly commercial.

Plans for a large McDonald's restaurant and another petrol station near the site have already been approved.

Nazia Shah, who spoke on behalf of the agent, said: "These uses will contribute to growth and prosperity of the district, and create hundreds of new jobs.

"The application will stimulate investment and attract major employers."

While Cllr Alan Bradford and Cllr Bill Revans compared the application with the services at J24, and highlighted concerns about the traffic that builds up on the roundabout, Cllr Stuart Kingham argued that having better options at J23 like this petrol station could reduce the number of cars coming off at J24.

Cllrs Li Gibson and Kathy Pearce spoke against the development, Cllr Gibson highlighting concerns over the environmental impact and Cllr Pearce saying this would not be a welcome development next to the Downend Castle heritage site.

The application was approved by 11 votes to two with one abstention.

To view the full Monte Blackburn Limited application, visit the planning section of the Sedgemoor District Council website and search for application number 42/18/00014.