Forecourt operator and developer Forelle Estates has applied to North Devon Council for permission to build a service station on a trunk road.
The scheme is on a 0.95ha site next to a roundabout on the A361 at Aller Cross, near South Molton, and comprises a forecourt area, with a convenience store, a sandwich store, and customer parking for 27 cars, including six spaces equipped with EV charging points..
In addition to fuel filling points, a car wash and two jet washing facilities will be accommodated on site.
The filling station will have five pump islands, four for cars/vans and one for HGVs. Each car/van pump island has two filling points (one either side) while the HGV filling point provides one pump. The filling points are protected from the elements by a modern arched canopy extending from the shop building.
The case for the application is strengthened because a previous planning permission for a petrol filling station (PFS) was granted in 1991, as part of a trunk road service area. The PFS was never built, but because other parts of the scheme were completed the planning permission for the PFS still stands, subject to planning conditions.
A planning statement with the application states: “Notwithstanding that the 1991 scheme can still be delivered under the partially implemented permission, the application proposals seeks to deliver a new modern roadside service facility with an improved layout and better facilities to meet the expectations and requirements of motorists today.”
It also states there is a shortage of roadside services on the A361 between Tiverton and Barnstaple with a need for more provision of refuelling facilities and electric charging.
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