Planners reject Roadchef plans at Taunton Services, on M5

Roadchef Motorways Ltd had applied before Christmas to Somerset Council for permission to extend the southbound services and refurbish the interior of the premises and business units within the existing block.

But the council's planners have this month blocked the plans due to the lack of emergence surveys and insufficient information to ensure there is no harm to wildlife and protected species as a result of the development,

Under the proposals, an amenity building would have been extended towards the car park, providing nearly 260 sq m of extra covered space for customer seating and a new restaurant.

When the application was submitted to the council, Rachel Reaney, director of Astrum Planning, representing the applicant, said: “As part of the development, the internal layout is to be adapted to enable the naturally fast food operator ‘Leon’ to function from the motorway service area.

“The proposal will also allow for an expanded seating and rest area, alongside the relocation and upgrading of an existing Costa Coffee.

“The reconfiguration of the internal floorspace will also allow for an improved and wider internal circulation route, which will be served by a new pedestrian entrance.

“Finally, the proposal will also relocate an existing counter operated by Chozen Noodle to the north east of the amenity building, to allow an improved offer at WHSmith.”