Jobs could be created near M5 under warehouse plans

The Foundation Property & Capital Group has applied to build an “industrial storage and distribution warehouse” on agricultural land north of the A38 Bristol Road, a short distance from the Edithmead roundabout near junction 22 of the M5.

The London-based developer said the facility would supply nearly 9,400 sq m of storage or office space, which could operate 24 hours a day all year round.

Sedgemoor District Council is expected to make a decision on the plans by the end of the summer.

The site lies to the east of Pople’s Bow, near the town’s Aldi supermarket, Travelodge and Costa Coffee outlet.

If approved, a new access road will be connected onto the existing roundabout, with access being left in place for potential further development to the north.

Proposed location of industrial storage and distribution centre on the A38 Bristol Road in Highbridge. Google Maps

A total of 148 car parking spaces will be provided on site, as well as 33 spaces for HGVs, 30 cycling spaces and eight motorcycle spaces.

The developer has not confirmed how many new jobs could be created at the facility if planning permission is granted, nor has it identified any specific companies which could occupy the site.

A spokesman for Avison Young (representing the applicant) said: “Our client is looking to provide the most desirable workspace possible.

“As such, the scale and height of the proposed building is driven by operational demand and to incorporate a degree of flexibility, given that there is no confirmed end-user.”

The site falls within the ‘Isleport 2’ area which has been identified for employment growth within the council’s Local Plan, which runs until 2032.

Plans were put forward in April by Cubex Land Ltd. for a separate distribution hub on Pillmore Lane, less than a mile from the Bristol Road site.

Both employment developments lie the north of a planned development of 248 homes, accessed from the southern end of Isleport Lane, which is currently being consulted upon by the council.

The spokesman added: “Industrial and logistics facilities are increasingly being recognised as a key part of national infrastructure that supports the functioning of our economy, ensuring we have what we need when we need it.

“Recent trends accelerated by the coronavirus and Brexit are driving significant growth within this sector.

“The rise of e-commerce, which itself is being driven by population growth, technological improvements and an increasing preference for purchasing goods and services online, has played a large part in generating demand.

“But there are other factors driving growth, including the growth in UK freight and companies moving their operations back to the UK because of recent disruptions in the supply chain.”