A 24-hour service station and supermarket could be built on land adjoining the A39 Tropiquaria roundabout – subject to planning permission – if current consultations with local councils and residents prove favourable, the Free Press learned this week.

A survey team from London community consultants Curton and Co has visited homes in Williton, Washford and Old Cleeve asking for reactions to proposals to build a Shell service station and a Budgens supermarket on land owned by the Wyndham estate opposite the Tropiquaria tropical house and zoo.

Budgens has over 180 stores, many on petrol station forecourts, and the proposed development would be modelled on 24-hour facilities available in Wellington and Bridgwater.

Backed by Forelle Estates, the new complex would include a 12-pump service station and a Budgens forecourt store catering for both motorists and local shoppers.

“From the research we have done, it is clear that there is a demand for this facility,” said Curton spokesman Jack Austin.

“We have experienced a lot of warmth for our proposals and there would seem to be a shortage of the services we would provide.

“Currently, villages like Old Cleeve have no shops or nearby service stations.”

Mr Austin said that more research and consultation was necessary before definite proposals were completed, and would include whether people wanted a 24-hour-a-day facility.