FOUR parking spaces for lorries and a small area of grassland could be turned into 10 electric vehicle chargers at a business centre near the M5.

PoGo, a company that specialises in “providing convenient and accessible EV charging solutions”, has applied to bring the EV chargers to the Regional Rural Business Centre at Market Way, North Petherton.

They would be located to the north west of the site, between the A38 Taunton Road and Sedgemoor Auction Centre.

PoGo says the facility would support existing businesses on the site and would help reduce carbon dioxide emissions as part of the UK's plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030.

The planning statement says: “The application seeks full planning permission for the formation of car parking with electric vehicle charging equipment and associated works within the parking area at the Regional Rural Business Centre, Bridgwater.

“The proposal comprises the provision of 10 electric vehicle charging bays with associated electric vehicle charging equipment utilising the space of four HGV parking bays and a small area of grassland.

“Powering more of the cars we drive with electricity is essential to addressing growing CO2 emissions and air pollution in cities.

“As more electric car models become available, they will also become a more affordable choice for people and businesses.”

However, PoGo says a key deterrant to people buying electric vehicles is a lack of charging infrastructure, which this application aims to help address. 

The statement adds: “The provision of an electric vehicle hub on the site will support the existing businesses and site users as part of a nationwide initiative to reduce carbon dioxide emissions which is supported at both national and local level.

 “The proposal supports the existing use on the site and motorists and businesses in the wider area with no impact on amenity or safety.”

No new access points would be required, and the applicant says traffic flows to and through the site would not be affected. 

One tree would be removed if the plans went ahead, but efforts would be made to retain others  “where possible”. 

Somerset Council is accepting comments on the plans (application number 37/23/00065) until Monday, September 4.