Two service stations could finally be built next to one of Norfolk's busiest stretches of road - about 20 years since the idea was first mooted.

Planners first gave permission for the facilities on either side of the A47 at North Tuddenham, near Dereham, in 1994 and it followed a long-running saga over a range of companies trying to develop alongside the trunk road.

Since the go-ahead was first given, repeated delays have beset the project, including a change of ownership of the land.

Now, site owner Vince Somers, of Merton, near Watton, has applied to Breckland Council to extend the time limit for permission which was renewed in 2008 for petrol filling stations, motel, restaurant and parking on sites north and south of the A47.

The development partner is Motor Fuel Ltd, a part of the Motor Fuel Group which has about 60 petrol stations throughout the UK.

Mr Somers has previously said work would be ready to start but nothing has ever happened.

In the latest application to Breckland, a letter from Mr Somers' agent said: 'Motor Fuels have agreed to take the site but have yet to commence work, although agreements have now been signed.'

Last week Motor Fuel Group - which describes itself as 'one of the UK's leading independent forecourt operators' was bought by a new management team headed by chief executive officer, William Bannister.

A statement by the company said: 'William is joined by Tom Biggart as chief investment officer and Ijaz Iqbal as finance director. All three directors have considerable experience of the forecourt sector.

'The team is backed by committed investors and together they are focussed on growing and developing the MFG business into one of the most dynamic and profitable independent forecourt operators in the UK.

'With some 58 stations situated throughout the UK operating under the BP, Shell, Esso, Total and Jet brands, MFG intends to continue to offer its customers premium fuel brands coupled with an attractive, competitive and expanding forecourt shop offer for today's cost conscious consumers.'