SUPPORT for controversial proposals to build a roadside service station on the A39 just outside Minehead has been coming from people across the Westcountry.

More than 300 comments have been registered on Somerset Council’s planning portal by people living in the area from Bristol and Bournemouth to Cornwall.

The Free Press reported last month on strong local opposition led by Minehead town councillors, Dunster Parish Council, Minehead Conservation Society, and Exmoor National Park Authority.

Dorset-based Forelle Estates Ltd wants to develop a 1.7-acre site off the A39 Ellicombe roundabout, inside the Dunster parish boundary.

The plans include 10 electric vehicle charging bays (EV), eight of which will be fast charging, a Costa coffee drive-thru, and a convenience store.

Opponents fear the development would spoil the open countryside on the edge of the national park and undermine existing businesses in Minehead.

But, Forelle managing director Mike Price told the Free Press this week Minehead was in danger of missing out on visitors due to a lack of EV charging infrastructure.

Mr Price said: “The town risks losing valuable tourist trade without better electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Red dotted area shows the location of a proposed roadside service station on the A39 outside Minehead. PHOTO: Google Maps.
Red dotted area shows the location of a proposed roadside service station on the A39 outside Minehead. PHOTO: Google Maps. ( )

“Our proposed Minehead EV hub will deliver much-needed infrastructure, introducing eight ultra-fast 150kW chargers, capable of charging a vehicle in just 15 to 30 minutes, as well as three traditional petrol pumps.

“By providing reliable, high-speed charging on the A39, we can support residents, businesses, and tourists while reducing the need for drivers to divert into the town centre just to charge their vehicles.”

Mr Price said the UK was struggling to keep pace with demand for EV infrastructure as nearly one in five new cars sold last year was electric.

He said: “Yet, access to reliable, high-speed charging remains a major challenge.

“As the number of electric vehicle drivers increases, it is crucial to expand the availability of convenient, fast charging options.

“Minehead currently has just 16 public EV chargers, the majority of which are slower 50kW and require several hours for a full charge.”

Mr Price said the project would create up to 35 local jobs, both during construction and in ongoing maintenance and operations, helping to support the local economy.

He said it was clear from people’s comments on the council’s planning portal that there was ‘overwhelming levels of support’ shown by EV drivers across the Westcountry for Forelle Estate’s proposed development.

Mr Price said the evidence from comments on the portal indicated that potential visitors would ‘skip towns without chargers’.

One former visitor to Minehead, Derek Billings, of Cullompton, said: “I used to visit Minehead frequently with my wife and children but since we have had an EV it is no longer a viable location due to lack of charging facilities.”

Sara Willcox, of Portishead, said: “I have family who live in Minehead and it is always an issue charging my car in the area.

“A new charging hub in Minehead would be a valuable addition.”

Mr Price said Forelle had a dedicated website for anybody who wanted to support the company’s Minehead plans to register their comments.