Taunton-based commercial property specialist, Summerfield, has been granted planning permission to build a new petrol filling station and a number of outlets for consumers on a front plot at Westpark 26, the business park at Chelston, Wellington in Somerset.
There has been a high demand for space at Westpark 26, which is aimed at accommodating small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and Taunton Deane Borough Council believe this latest development this will make it even more attractive.
Councillor John Williams, leader of Taunton Deane Borough Council, said: “Once again, the growth of Westpark 26 is a clear indication of the strength of the economy here in Taunton. We’ve been working with Summerfield and listening to businesses who are keen to plant roots in the area and are providing all the necessary elements to ensure success for ambitious businesses. It is good to be able to work with such a strong locally based developer that is obviously meeting the needs of the market place both for expanding local businesses and inward investors, they are to be congratulated.”
Work will start on site in the autumn with a fast turnaround of just 16 weeks before the new filling station, complete with car wash facility is open for business. Also on site, will be a mini-supermarket facility operated Budgens, in addition to a Costa Coffee and Subway outlets.
Ben Trickey, Senior Development Surveyor at Summerfield, said: “This is an excellent location for a new petrol filling station. The breadth of the offering for commuters on the A38 and on both Chelston and Westpark business parks is a great boost to both Wellington and the area. With the Skylark pub and the Travelodge hotel already established on site, the facilities are of great benefit to the local and regional economy.”
Forelle Estates and Peregrine Retail are the companies behind the new petrol filling station development in Wellington and this will add to several other successful locations they have elsewhere in the UK.
Managing Director of Peregrine Retail, John Mason who will operate the site commented: “With the considerable investment that is required to develop, we needed to be certain that the demographics would support the business case. With Wellington’s growing population, the prominence on the A38, and the increasing significance of Westpark and the new businesses that it is welcoming, we made the decision to locate here. The filling station and on-site convenience stores will bring 16 new full-time jobs and staff will be recruited during construction in the autumn.”
Elsewhere on Westpark, existing businesses like Somerdale, Office Reality and West Country Foods continue to report growth and new business, and Summerfield has reported that there is a great deal of interest from organisations looking to locate on the park. The range of uses on site also looks set to broaden, with enquiries coming from car showrooms, trade counter and roadside uses, alongside warehouse and distribution uses.
