Objections to planned drive-thru near Whitchurch including Starbucks, KFC and Greggs

People living near a proposed drive-thru development say a “local need” has not been demonstrated.

Up to 70 jobs could be created as part of the plans next to the Raven Café, off the A41 in Prees Heath, near Whitchurch.

The plans include drive-thru Starbucks and KFC branches, as well as a Greggs.

A total of 67 parking spaces – as well as eight electric vehicle charging points and six accessible spaces – would be created, along with new landscaping.

The Raven Café would be retained as part of any development.

The application has been submitted by McGowan Grocott. The company is owned by Daniel McGowan, together with siblings David and Linda Grocott, the former owners of logistics firm Grocontinental in Whitchurch.

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Mr McGowan said: “As local people, we are very conscious of the popularity of the Raven Café and, from the outset, we wanted to work with the current tenant to support their business. We have agreed to buy the development land from the owners of the café and have consulted with them on the detail of our plans.

“The excellent position of the site, just off both the A41 and A49, has attracted a lot of interest from food and drink retailers and we were very pleased to secure early commitments from KFC, Greggs and Starbucks, subject to planning consent.

“We anticipate that, as well as servicing passing traffic, the new sustainable site will be well supported by the local community.”

Planning documents state that the businesses could open as early as 6am and serve through to midnight.

The A41 through Shropshire has been identified as a key strategic site and potential “growth corridor” in the Shropshire Local Plan Review. Forty-three houses have recently been built to the southwest of the application site.

However, 18 public objections to the plans have been lodged, with none in support.

“From regular local experience, this is a predominantly rural area serving the A41/A49 junction and existing overnight HGV rest facilities,” said Alexander Himsley.

“There is no clear evidence of unmet local demand for three additional drive-through units here, nor any significant planned growth or infrastructure that would support this scale of roadside food development.

“Without a robust, locally specific needs assessment, this appears to be a speculative proposal which risks under use and vacancy, with associated harm to the appearance and amenity of the area.”

Sharon Jones added: “In its current form, the application gives rise to substantial concerns relating to additional traffic late at night, the loss of HGV parking provision, highway safety and access, economic need, residential amenity, ecology, air quality, and the overall adequacy of the supporting assessments.”