FT Aller Cross plan

An illustration of how the development would look from the Aller Cross Roundabout

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.