New jobs could be created near a Somerset hotel if plans for new business units are approved.

Yeo Valley Properties Ltd. has applied for permission to deliver 16 ‘starter’ business units on Siger Drive in Highbridge, near the town’s Aldi supermarket. Toolstation store and Travelodge.

The Blagdon-based developer believes there is “considerable potential” within the site to meet the needs of local small businesses and larger companies needing a base near the M5.

Sedgemoor District Council is expected to make a decision on the plans before Christmas.

The site is allocated for employment use within the council’s Local Plan, which runs until 2032, and lies within close proximity of junction 22 of the M5, which is due to be upgraded by Somerset County Council in the near-future.

A total of 55 car parking spaces and 15 van spaces will be provided on site, with each unit having a disabled toilet and shuttered doors to ensure that they are accessible.

A spokesman for Delta Architects (representing the applicant) said: “Our proposal is for a contemporary warehouse and light industrial units that reflects the aspirations of our client.

“The buildings comprise of various sized units to ensure that there is considerable potential for different employment opportunities.

“Situated so close to the existing A38 and junction 22 on the M5, the site offers a highly sustainable opportunity for additional employment development, with any environmental impact mitigated against through structural landscaping and high-quality design.”

The land surrounding the Siger Drive site has also been earmarked for commercial development, intending to create enough new jobs to match Highbridge’s housing growth – including a development of 248 new homes on Isleport Lane which was approved in August.

Cubex Land Ltd. has applied to build a new warehouse and distribution hub on land north of Pillmore Lane, which will provide nearly 14,500 sq m of employment space for the occupier.

The Foundation Property & Capital Group has also applied to build an “industrial storage and distribution warehouse” on agricultural land north of the A38 Bristol Road, adding a new access road onto the existing roundabout.

The council is expected to make a decision on all three applications before the end of the year.