Motorway service station road plan dropped

However, several local residents objected to the proposals, arguing the A38 could not sustain any further traffic, given local housing growth and the ongoing impact of the Hinkley Point C construction programme.

Mr Blake, from Downend Crescent, said: “The site was originally granted permission with the understanding it would have a second exit onto the A39, as the A38 was too busy to take all the development’s traffic.

“With the continued growth of Hinkley Point C workers using the Junction 23 park and ride, it is becoming apparent that the A38 cannot deal with the amount of traffic using the Dunball roundabout.”

Miss Brookes, also of Downend Crescent, said: “The applicant should have been researching thoroughly and been aware of any potential issues long before they even started putting together any plans for the site.

“The reality is there are queues on the A38 everyday, and while I know the Dunball roundabout is due for improvement, we still wait for this – and anticipate the considerable disruption this will cause.”

Somerset Council is expected to begin its long-awaited GBP5.3m upgrade of the Dunball roundabout in the summer or early-autumn, once the ongoing tendering process has been completed.