Councillors will this week decide on whether to allow a drive thru Costa to be built right next to Warwick Cemetery.

Warwick District Council's planning committee will vote on the application from Warwick 27a Ltd on Tuesday (October 7).

A report to be discussed by councillors has recommended the proposals for Birmingham Road be refused, siding with the 166 objections received from members of the public.

"Officers consider that the principle of development is acceptable and note that the development would be acceptable in terms of drainage, ecological impacts, air quality and sustainability," the report said.

"It is also noted that the proposed development would provide additional employment opportunities in the local area.

"However, the site is considered to be harmful the character and appearance of the area and it has not been demonstrated to the satisfaction of statutory consultees that matters relating to noise impact and the impact on highway safety have been adequately mitigated.

"The provision of employment opportunities is not considered to outweigh the identified harm."

An impression of how the proposed site would look upon opening (image via planning application)

The application has evolved since first being submitted, with new designs and plans being unveiled in May.

The fresh designs included more planting around the coffee shop to screen it from view.

The company also submitted drawings of how it proposed the building would look from day one, and after five years.

In its latest application, Warwick 27a Ltd stated a hedge will be planted so from 'day one' it is "providing a strong structural base and visual barrier".

Meanwhile semi-mature maple trees will be planted behind as well as other plants, meaning the screen will develop over the years.

How the developer says the Costa will look like after five years (image via planning application)

The new report states: "The landscape design for our Haywood Road, Warwick Costa development embodies a sustainable, biodiversity-led approach that enhances both the ecological and social value of the space. 

"The proposed landscape design has been carefully developed to provide both an immediate visual screen to the new Costa unit and a long-term enhancement in local biodiversity."

However, criticism was widespread in the town, with Warwick Town Council, local councillors and residents voicing their opposition.

Reasons behind the objections ranged from the impact on local traffic, increases in anti-social behaviour, loss of privacy, harm to the local area, noise and light pollution.

See the full council report here.