A NEW Starbucks looks set to open on the edge of Taunton early next year.

Construction is well underway on the new coffee shop on the car park at Deane Retail Park, off Hankridge Way.

The company announced plans for the cafe in July last year, just weeks after closing its cafe behind the Market House, in Taunton town centre.

Cobra Coffee - Starbucks UK's franchised business partner - has now submitted a planning application in connection with the development to Somerset West and Taunton Council.

It is seeking permission for several signs and other features including internally illuminated signs, a restrictor bar, menu boards and an order canopy.

The application is requesting consent by January 21 next year, suggesting the outlet could be up and running shortly afterwards, although no official date has yet been announced.

The unit is near the Sainsbury's supermarket and three other retail outlets on the park close to the M5.

The previous planning application said: "The design proposals have been developed having due regard to the particular location, characteristics and constraints of the site and to meet the relevant functional requirements of the building and end user.

"The development is accessible to pedestrians and all forms of transport.

"The new building has been designed to be attractive and modern in appearance and robust and durable materials have been selected for aesthetic quality, low maintenance and sustainability."

Starbucks will be accessible by vehicles driving through and footpaths around the retail park.

Meanwhile, construction work on a new Lidl store in Taunton is nearing completion.

The discount supermarket company flattened the old store in Roman Road along with the neighbouring Six Acres day centre earlier this year before the builders moved in.

The new, bigger store, will replace the old store, that was viewed as being too small.

Lidl has previously said it intends to open before Christmas.

A company spokesperson told the County Gazette this week that it will be issuing a statement in the coming days.

Another discount supermarket recently announced plans to open a store in the county town.

Aldi wants to open a store in Chip Lane on the site of the Tone Motor Company, Bicycle Chain and All About Beds outlets.

It already has a store in Bathpool.