New plans revealed for M5 Bridgwater services

Detailed plans have been revealed for a proposed new service station off the M5 in Somerset.

Welcome Break has already acquired the land to build a 10-acre (four-hectare) plot at the new Notaro Park - off the Huntworth roundabout, near Bridgwater.

If approved, it would become the second service station near junction 24, with Moto Motorway services on the other side of the motorway.

The application is open for public comments on the Somerset Council planning website until the middle of April.

Plans for the new services show it would have a main building with food outlets and there will also be a petrol station and a drive-thru coffee shop.

There would be parking for cars, coaches and HGVs.

Welcome Break chief executive John Diviney previously said the site would also create 150 jobs, adding: "We see it as a very strategic location, as a gateway to the south west."

North Petherton Town Council submitted comments in support of the application in February.

A travel expert for consumer group Which, Jo Rhodes, says service stations have changed in recent years.

Ms Rhodes said: "The better service stations merge with facilities like farm shops and offer things like walking trails and picnic areas and even soft play centres for children."

She added: "Some are really upping their game and we'd hope that any new ones coming along would strive to do the same."

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