A new electric vehicle (EV) charging hub is set to be proposed near a bustling McDonald’s just off the M5 motorway in Somerset, pending approval from Somerset Council. The planned site is within the Oaktree business park located off the A38 Bristol Road in Highbridge, south of the Edithmead roundabout connecting to junction 22 of the motorway.
Currently, the business park is home to popular drive-thru outlets including Greggs, McDonald’s, and Starbucks, alongside larger retailers like Howdens, Screwfix, a Ford dealership, and various smaller businesses.
London-based TLB Developments Ltd has submitted plans to construct the EV charging hub on a vacant plot at the corner of Angus Way and Highland Way. This location sits next to the Tarnock Garage and opposite McDonald’s, which opened in September 2024.
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The development will be split into two zones with separate access points from existing estate roads. On Highland Way, near the Studio Essence health and fitness center, 16 ultra-rapid charging points will be installed. This area will also feature a substation and two supercharger cabinets capable of servicing a broad range of electric vehicles.
Meanwhile, on Angus Way, plans include a self-service car wash operating under a one-way system close to the Ford garage entrance.
A spokesperson for Enzygo Ltd, representing the applicant, highlighted the project’s significance: “This proposal addresses the urgent national and local demand to expand EV charging infrastructure, supporting the transition to a low carbon transport network and helping achieve the UK’s net zero targets.”
They added, “The strategically located charging hub near Junction 22 of the M5 and the A38 corridor will serve both motorway travelers and the local employment area, benefiting employees, businesses, fleet operators, and visitors alike.”
The development aims to enhance the area’s sustainability, competitiveness, and visual appeal by incorporating soft landscaping and biodiversity improvements. The infrastructure will be modest in height and scale, designed to blend seamlessly into the surroundings.
Somerset Council is expected to reach a decision on the application within the next six months, likely before Christmas.
Additionally, a similar charging hub proposal is under consideration for the Dunball services on Old Works Road in Bridgwater, submitted by Ionity GbmH.