Plans for a new McDonald's drive-thru near the M5 in Somerset could generate more than 120 full and part-time jobs if approved. The proposal is part of the Bridgwater Gateway site, located north of the A38 Taunton Road close to junction 24 of the motorway.
Site and Existing Businesses
The Bridgwater Gateway site already hosts ten business units, a Premier Inn hotel, a Lidl supermarket, and outlets including Costa Coffee, Domino's Pizza, and Greggs. Additionally, 511 homes are planned at the northern end of the site, within North Petherton parish. Somerset Council recently approved revised plans for 361 houses by Keepmoat Homes, with the remaining 150 dwellings to be delivered by Vistry Group.
Details of the Proposal
The McDonald's drive-thru would be built on vacant land on Carnival Way, between the Greggs outlet and the Lidl car park, positioned at the southern edge of the plot. Primary access will be via Carnival Way, with a new pedestrian and cycling link to the south onto Taunton Road, connecting to the broader 'green route' within the Bridgwater local cycling and walking infrastructure plan (LCWIP). The restaurant and drive-thru will include 37 car parking spaces, two disabled bays, two electric vehicle charging points, and 18 cycle spaces.
Hours and Additional Units
Trading hours for the McDonald's have not been specified in planning documents, but they are expected to align with neighbouring businesses to curb antisocial behaviour and limit traffic during evenings and overnight. Two additional industrial units, similar in design to existing ones, will be located at the north-western corner, providing six parking spaces, eight van spaces, and two disabled spaces.
Economic Impact and Quotes
A spokesperson for Angus Meek Architects, representing the applicant, said: "The proposals aim to provide accommodation to businesses within an established and sustainable employment location, maximising the potential of a vacant plot and demonstrating an efficient use of existing resources. This scheme will provide Bridgwater with additional commercial space which it desperately needs, with units to suit a range of future occupants. This scheme will enhance economic growth within the area." The proposal represents a multi-million-pound investment by McDonald's, and the restaurant is expected to employ more than 120 full and part-time staff, recruited locally.
Decision Timeline
Somerset Council is expected to deliver a decision within the next six months, potentially before Christmas. It remains uncertain whether the decision will be made by the planning committee north (which manages significant applications in the former Sedgemoor district) or through delegated authority granted to planning officers.
