A full planning application has been submitted for a service area at Junction 37 of the M4 at North Cornelly.
The service area would include a petrol station, 10 EV charging spaces, and three drive-thru restaurants (named in the application as Greggs, Starbucks and McDonald’s).
The proposed service area would be accessed from the northbound carriageway of the A4229. This means drivers (from the M4) would need to double back on themselves at the South Cornelly roundabout to access the service station.
If approved, an estimated 125 full and part-time jobs would be created once up and running.
Planning officers expect further justification
A pre-application consultation took place in 2024. Natural Resources Wales wanted an environmental management plan as a stream feeding a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) runs through the site.
One resident formally objected while Cornelly Community Council wanted measures to ensure pedestrian safety. The developers propose building a footpath alongside the A4229 to the South Cornelly roundabout/Porthcawl Road.
The response from Bridgend Council’s planning department to the consultation (pdf) suggests the developers may find it difficult to secure permission (as things stand).
This is mainly due to the land not being included in the Local Development Plan (LDP) with planning officers expecting “further justification” of an “overriding need” for a service area. They were also concerned the site would generate further traffic “as a destination in its own right” drawing people from the Porthcawl area.
Developers would consider including park & ride facility
The developers say the proposal is similar to one granted permission on appeal at St Clears in Carmarthenshire. They also believe the service area serves an existing market (M4 travellers) and are willing to negotiate including a car share or park & ride facility on site.
Additionally, the EV charging points would meet the Welsh Government’s goal for rapid charging infrastructure being located every 20 miles along the trunk road network. At the moment, there’s a 26-mile gap between Swansea West and Sarn Park services.
