Controversial plans for new drive thru café in Warwick recommended for approval despite objections

By James Smith 10th Jul 2024

The application does not say who would run the shop, but says it is expected to create 20 local jobs (image via Costa Coffee)
The application does not say who would run the shop, but says it is expected to create 20 local jobs (image via Costa Coffee)

Controversial plans to build a new drive thru coffee shop on the edge of Warwick look set to be approved despite a string of objections.

Planners have recommended the scheme for the Marriott Hotel be given the green light at next week's Warwick District Council planning committee meeting.

If approved, Dallas Holdings' application will see a timber-clad coffee shop built with outside seating, a drive-thru kiosk, 12 parking spaces and a further eight charging bays.

A new access road and footpaths would be created within the hotel grounds.

The application says the site is perfect for serving passing trade from the M40 and A46 - but does not say which business would run the coffee shop.

But the scheme has been met with a number of objections, including one from Warwick Town Council which raised concerns about the lack of detail in the scheme over landscaping, biodiversity and noise.

Ten members of the public have also objected, criticising the impact the scheme will have on traffic and on the neighbouring houses at the Peacocks.

They have also been supported by ward councillors John Holland and Daniel Brown who have also questioned the impact on traffic and congestion.

Despite this, council planners said the scheme should go ahead.

"The principle of a drive thru coffee shop that would principally serve passing trade is considered acceptable in this location," a council report said. 

"The proposal would not be out of keeping with the character of the area and the development can be controlled so as to acceptably mitigate any significant impacts on neighbouring residential occupiers. 

"The scheme provides suitable measures to mitigate the highway impacts of the development and officers are satisfied that drainage and ecology matters can be addressed through conditions. 

"The application is therefore considered to be in accordance with the Local Plan as a whole and guidance within the NPPF. 

"The application is therefore recommended for approval, subject to the delegation of authority to officers to secure an appropriate Biodiversity Net Gain and which is dependent on the submission of some updated information from the applicant."

See the full application here.

     

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