The planned retail park near the M5 motorway promises to bring hundreds of jobs to the Wellington area—all while preserving the recently upgraded A38 Chelston Link Road, commonly known as the ‘concrete carriageway.’
Chelston Heath LLP obtained outline planning permission in July 2023 for the new retail development located north of the A38 Chelston Link Road, which connects Wellington to junction 26 of the M5. After nearly two years, Somerset Council has completed a £5.7 million project to modernize this vital road, with construction finishing by late September 2023.
Importantly, the council has confirmed that the newly improved ‘concrete carriageway’ will not require further excavation or replacement if the retail park moves ahead. This assurance offers peace of mind to local residents concerned about potential disruptions.
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The proposed retail park will feature an electric vehicle charging hub, small light industrial units, and various commercial food and drink outlets—setting up healthy competition with the nearby Westpark 26 business park. Access to the site will be available through two points: one from the link road itself and another from the westbound A38, which may be expanded near the Chelston roundabout to improve traffic flow.
Pedestrian infrastructure also remains a priority; the existing footpath along the site’s eastern edge will be preserved. In October 2023, the developer secured permission to establish wetlands near Hayward Water at the site’s southern boundary to offset any environmental impact from increased phosphates.
Once operational, the retail park is expected to create up to 236 jobs, though the actual number may vary depending on part- and full-time positions offered by prospective tenants. While no specific companies have been announced, planning documents mention the inclusion of a family restaurant and at least two food and drink kiosks.
Under the terms of the outline planning permission, the developer must submit a detailed reserved matters application—which covers landscaping, layout, and appearance—within three years of the initial approval, or else the permission will expire. So far, no further applications have been submitted.
A council spokesperson reassured the public, stating: “The outline permission was granted in July 2023, but there has been no reserved matters application yet. The applicant must submit it within three years. Regardless, apart from minor access adjustments if needed, the ‘concrete carriageway’ does not require any rework.”
With its combination of job creation, modern amenities, and minimal disruption to existing infrastructure, the new retail park represents a promising development for Wellington’s economy and community.