AMBITIOUS plans to double the retail space and upgrade the petrol forecourt at Wheddon Cross Garage and the associated Londis store were discussed at a public meeting in the village on Wednesday.

Residents were asked to take a closer look at the plans submitted by Tim Gardiner of F Webber and Sons before they were considered by members of Exmoor National Park Authority's planning committee in the coming weeks.

The proposals involve the demolition of all the existing on-site buildings and replacing them with a purpose-built store, updated petrol forecourt and improved access and parking facilities for customers.

Agent Martin Lee said the development was vital to improve safety and the overall appearance of the site.

In a design and access statement accompanying the application, Mr Lee said: "The complete demolition and removal of all existing buildings and their replacement with a new purpose-built garage shop together with new fuel pumps represents a very substantial upgrading of the site to comply with current standards.

"The redevelopment will result in a substantial reduction of potential risk to the environment, improving pedestrian and highway safety and relining existing fuel/oil tanks on site and providing interceptors for surface water drainage from the site."

He said the current site did not have adequate "barriers" to reduce the risk of fuel contamination, asbestos was present in a number of buildings and the retail space was now operating at full capacity.

Mr Lee said: "As a result of the reduction in numbers of fuel sales forecourts in the surrounding district, fuel sales volume and customer visits have exceeded the design parameters of the current layout for the site.

"As a result, there is currently insufficient, safe fuel storage and retail space capacity to meet increased demand and projected future demand.

"A lack of formal parking arrangements for customers only serves to exacerbate dangerous congestion around the pumps and the access on to the Exford Road, which is now occurring on a frequent basis."

The redevelopment would create 13 parking spaces and double the number of business employees from four to eight.

The proposed opening hours would be from 7am to 9pm, seven days a week.

Mr Lee said no discussions had been held with the local parish council about the proposals to avoid "potential conflict of interest or possible perception of prejudice" as Mr Gardiner was also a parish councillor.

However, detailed talks had already been held with park authority planners and highways chiefs.

Mr Lee said: "The removal of the vehicle maintenance and repair workshop from the site will greatly enhance the aural qualities of the rear gardens of adjoining and adjacent residential property.

"The new building, having a single cohesive form and design, will actually enhance the character and setting.

"The proposal substantially enhances pedestrian safety . . . the new layout for the site provides for full three-point turning of all vehicles within the site in tandem with substantial, new on-site customer and staff parking, while still preserving existing levels of advanced visibility."

The building would be clad in timber and pavements would be created in front of 'Garage House' giving the option for future links to the village's existing public car park and toilets at the rear of the public house.

Mr Lee concluded: "By changing the format to a larger retail offer, with improved access to a broader range of goods and services, the number of private car miles travelled by local consumers will be reduced, particularly by securing the retention of the existing Post Office facility under licence.

"An improved retail offer will enable local suppliers to gain new and improved access to local customers, helping sustain the wider rural economy."