VISITORS to the Clarks Village shopping outlet may not have to drive so far to fill up their cars if new plans are approved.

J. Symonds Estates Ltd. has submitted plans to turn the existing Oaklands Nurseries garden centre in Street into a petrol station with a “food to go franchise outlet”, convenience store and outside seating.

The Yeovil-based company intends to create a new access on the A39, and claims the new facility will make Street more attractive for businesses and visitors.

The new petrol station will be built on the northern side of the Street roundabout, where the A39 The Causeway/ Westway meets the B3151 Glaston Road leading to Compton Dundon and Somerton.

Bridgwater Mercury: Location Of Proposed Petrol Station On A39 Street Roundabout Near Clarks Village In Street. CREDIT: Google Maps. Free to use for all BBC wire partners.

There will be eight pumps for regular vehicles, as well as two for HGVs and two electric vehicle charging points.

A spokesman for the developer said: “The new roadside services and fuelling station proposes to enhance the existing community, road network and infrastructure by providing an enhanced range of much-needed facilities to both residents and visitors of Street and its surrounding area.

“It is our intention to provide a much-improved junction and access to and from the site to maintain the sites original character, as well as provide a complimentary development to the north of Street and a much more sustainable business model to the existing Oakland Nurseries.”

Motorists visiting Street can presently fill up at the Sainsbury’s supermarket at the other end of the village, or drive onto the Esso facility at Wirral Park in Glastonbury.

Those visiting from the south currently have to drive to either the Shell garage at Lydford-on-Fosse or the Esso outlet in Huish Episcopi near Langport.

A spokesman said: “There is only one other petrol filling station serving Street, which is at the Sainsbury’s site, but this does not include HGV filling, nor do any of the existing filling stations in Glastonbury.

“This is a shortcoming of the area, where the A39 is very heavily trafficked by goods vehicles.”

Photos submitted as part of the planning application show a BP outlet with Budgens shop, taken from a “village location” near Reading.

The developer has not specified which company will end up operating the petrol station if planning permission is granted, but has said that up to 25 jobs will be created as a result.

Mendip District Council is expected to make a decision on the plans later in the year.