Motels set to be built

A pair of motels, filling stations and restaurants could soon be finally built on two sites next to Norfolk's main east west road more than 14 years after permission was first given and a high profile public inquiry fought.

Five firms originally battled to win approval for a similar scheme on the A47 east of Dereham in the early 1990s.

It was subject to a high profile public inquiry and although permission was renewed at least three times, work never started.

But now Wembley-based Motor Fuels Group has applied to build a petrol station on the site with a view to a hotel group and restaurant building further facilities.

The group operates a chain for 40 petrol stations throughout the UK, many under BP franchises.

Neil Jennings, architect and agent for the applicant, said this time Motor Fuels meant business.

He said the firm planned to start work on the site as soon as planning permission and Highways Authority to build access and aggress roads was agreed.

In plans submitted to Breckland Council, the group has asked to build two service station sites either side of the A47 dual carriageway at North Tuddenham.

The scheme includes an HGV and car petrol station, underground fuel storage tanks, a protective canopy, a sales building and HGV parking.

Once the petrol station was started, separate hotel and restaurant operators would come on site to build their own businesses alongside, Mr Jennings said.

Motor Fuels claims there is a previously demonstrated need for a road services area at the location.

The firm is due to buy the site when permission has been granted.

It is being sold by Vince Somers of Merton near Watton who was behind one of the earlier schemes.

And is currently being used as agricultural land but has previously been given planning permission for petrol stations on the sites.