New service station could be built near Barnstaple

The scheme includes 22 business units

A new service station off the Atlantic Highway at Tawstock near Barnstaple is being proposed along with 22 business units.

The development is for four and a half hectares of agricultural land with a new arm off the Lake Roundabout to serve the site.

There has been interest from someone wishing to run the roadside services, planning documents to North Devon Council say.

The site allows easy access to and from the A361/A39 (Atlantic Highway) which is a “key strategic route” in northern Devon and has links for cyclists, pedestrians and public transport to Barnstaple. The railway station is approximately a mile away.

Planning agents XL Planning Ltd said the proposed development was not anticipated to either impair or be visible from the nearby 18th century Grade II listed Tawstock Tower which is currently privately owned and managed as the Tawstock Castle holiday let and event venue.

But the plans have already received an objection from one resident who said the area was well served with “petrol stations” and business units.

“The green fields surrounding this part of town are fast disappearing to more and more building development, causing more traffic chaos and adding more stress to people’s lives,” they said.

The application will be discussed by North Devon Council in the future.

Public views on the scheme need to be submitted to the council’s planning department by Friday 1 August.