Bid made by Shell at Gillingham services for charging units

An application by Shell UK Oil Products Ltd has been made to South Norfolk Council to provide an electric vehicle charging hub with associated infrastructure at Shell Beccles on the A146 roundabout at Gillingham services.

The site is also commonly referred to as Hearts service station.

It seeks to provide five bays and if approved will be positioned to the east of the petrol filling station forecourt.

Shell took over the garage from BP last year (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Gillingham services could double if plans approved

A covering letter to planners says: “This proposal provides the opportunity to meet targets for greenhouse gas reduction from road transport, improving air quality standards and increase the use of alternative fuels by domestic drivers.

“It is hoped that with the provision of additional infrastructure on the highway network, the uptake of electric vehicles will continue to increase with the associated environmental benefits.”

The parish council and district council have been consulted, along with county highways and an ecologist and biodiversity officer.

A birds-eye view of the Hearts Services in Gillingham, Norfolk, with work being done on the site in 2022 (Image: Mike Page) READ MORE: Gillingham : 'No to Greggs and M&S, we've KFC and McDonalds'

In 2021, Motor Fuel Ltd had a permitted application for a “new substation and forecourt canopy” in the same site, but it was not implemented.

Shell took occupation of the former BP fuelling station last year.

The Hearts Services currently includes a McDonald’s, KFC, Starbucks, and Shell garage.

An application was placed last year to see the site grow with a farm shop, BP electric vehicle charging hub, and a M&S food store.

It also proposes a drive-thru Greggs and six trade counter units.

That application is still pending consideration.