Shropshire Star

Smell concerns over Starbucks drive-through plan for Telford

A drive-through coffee shop could be coming to Trench, but its would-be neighbours are worried it will increase smells and attract pests to the area.

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Gastronomy Property Ltd have applied to build a Starbucks branch southwest of the Trench Lock roundabout in Telford, next to the existing KFC.

The parish council have raised concerns that sharing an access with the restaurant will cause traffic problems, but planning officers argue two drive-through outlets on the same site will make “optimal use of the space”.

Planning officers recommend councillors vote to approve the plans, but nearby residents are worried cookery smells, noise and litter will increase.

A report for the Telford and Wrekin Planning Committee says the proposed 167 sq ft coffee shop would have 21 car parking spaces, employ 20 to 25 people and be open from 7am until 10pm.

Neighbouring properties have been consulted, and the report authors summarise some of their objections, which include the possibility of increased traffic and congestion around the site.

They also report concerns about an “increase in the presence of seagulls and rats due to (an) increase in litter” and “concerns smells from cookery and noise issues will be made worse as a result”.

Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council also object, and their reasons include “the shared use of the existing access” and “concern that the parking provision is not sufficient”, the report says.

They also argue “the increasing number of drive-through restaurants” violates planning policy.

But, summarising the response of Telford and Wrekin Council planning officers, the report says: “It is accepted that the principle of erecting a second drive-through facility on the existing site is acceptable as it would result in the optimal use of the vacant space available on site, and group together similar uses.”

The nine-member planning committee will discuss Gastronomy Property’s proposal when it meets on Wednesday.

By Local Democracy Reporter Alex Moore