BRIDGWATER could soon see a brand new Lidl supermarket near a major roundabout near an M5 exit road.

Lidl GB Limited has applied to build a new branch of the German supermarket on land to the west of the Huntworth Roundabout, near Junction 24 of the M5.

The gross footprint of the proposed new store would be 2,270sqm, including 107 car parking spaces (two featuring EV charging points), access, servicing and landscaping.

It is planned that the roof of the store would feature solar panels.

The site itself would be located on the A38 Taunton Road at the pre-existing Bridgwater Gateway development.Somerset County Gazette: The planned site for the new Bridgwater Gateway branch of Lidl.The planned site for the new Bridgwater Gateway branch of Lidl. (Image: Google)

If plans are successful, 40 new full and part time jobs would be created.

Access to the site is planned via a driveway from Carnival Way, although level access for pedestrians and cyclists would be via the public footpath next to the existing bus stop on Taunton Road.

The application comes after a public consultation which included an information leaflet with feedback form and freepost envelope being delivered to 6,668 households in the surrounding area from 13 November, 2023.

An online consultation was also launched to further gauge the local public's interest before formally submitting the application.

To keep up to date with the application, search planning reference number 37/23/00108 on Somerset Council's planning portal.

Comments on the plans are welcomed until Tuesday, February 27, and approval could be given from the following day.