New forecourt planned near Clarks Village shopping outlet

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, Somerset 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.

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.

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.”

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