FARM buildings near one of Taunton’s park and ride sites could be turned into new industrial units if plans are approved.

Cambria Farm lies next to the Taunton Gateway park and ride facility near Ruishton, and is surrounded on all three sites near the busy A358.

Taunton-based developer Summerfield Developments has put forward plans to demolish many of the existing farm buildings within the site and replace them with 19 new industrial units.

Under the proposals, the existing access onto Ilminster Road will be maintained, with a second access being created between the park and ride site and the Nexus 25 roundabout.

A spokesman for Stone and Partners (representing the applicant) said: “The proposed change of use is considered to be in accordance with the local development plan, which supports the change of use from agriculture to light industrial uses.

“The site is located in a sustainable location, will provide the re-use of previously developed land and will complement the future development around junction 25 of the M5.”

Summerfield Developments is currently delivering numerous developments in and around Taunton – including the Killams Park housing estate at the southern edge of the town, the Westpark 26 business park in Wellington and the Liddymore Park development in Watchet.

The company is also working in partnership with HBD to deliver the Nexus 25 business park, which could deliver one million square feet of employment space near the M5 and create up to 3,000 jobs.

The project remains listed on HBD’s website as being “in development” as of Friday (December 13), with a local development order (LDO) intended to speed up the delivery of the site remaining in place until 2029 following a vote by councillors in late-May.

Ruishton and Thornfalcon Parish Council has objected to the plans, claiming there “appear to be no community benefits on offer” and would exacerbate existing traffic issues.

Parish clerk Heather Bryant said: “The traffic lights at the junction of Ruishton Lane and the A358 currently do not function safely, and this situation will also be exacerbated by the traffic arrangements proposed.”

Somerset Council is expected to make a ruling on the proposals by the late-spring.