Tesla has put forward plans to establish an electric vehicle charging facility adjacent to a McDonald’s restaurant just off the A303 in Somerset. The proposed site, known as Wincanton Gateway, is located north of the A303 dual carriageway, accessible via the A371 Lawrence Hill, and is home to the Wagtail pub, McDonald’s, Starbucks and a Travelodge.
The application outlines the creation of a charging hub directly next to McDonald’s, with access from an existing spur road off Long Close. Somerset Council is expected to decide on the proposal before Christmas.
The development would include 16 Tesla supercharger units installed beneath a solar canopy. In addition to the charging stations, the plan incorporates a substation and a battery energy storage unit to store solar energy for later use, aiming to reduce strain on the local grid.
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Improvements to the existing access routes are planned, alongside a new footpath along the western edge of the site. This path will connect to a separate drive-thru unit approved in July 2023 on adjoining land.
A spokesperson from Planning Potential, representing Tesla, stated that the proposed supercharging facility supports governmental goals for a transition to ultra-low and zero-emission transport, and aligns with local environmental objectives such as decarbonisation and enhanced air quality. They also noted that Tesla’s charging network is available to all electric vehicles, not just Tesla models.
The western parcel of land is anticipated to develop independently as a drive-thru with its own access and design. The proposed charging facility aims to use this portion efficiently without interfering with the future operation of the drive-thru or other possible developments.
The spokesperson added that the development represents a sustainable and suitable addition to the existing commercial area adjacent to a major road network, providing vital low-carbon transport infrastructure that will serve both local residents and long-distance travellers along the A303 corridor.
Should the council approve the plans by the end of the year, construction could commence early in the new year, with the charging hub potentially operational by spring 2027, benefiting both locals and visitors.