“Upsetting” and “insensitive” plans to open a Costa drive thru right next to Warwick Cemetery have been thrown out by councillors.

Warwick District Council’s planning committee refused the application from Warwick 27a Ltd after a council report said planning permission should be denied.

Over 160 people objected to the application for the land off Birmingham Road, even after the applicant submitted new designs and plans in May.

Speaking at last week’s planning meeting, ward councillor Paul Wightman spoke against the scheme.

“It is entirely unacceptable and many of my ward residents would actually say it is quite upsetting,” he said. 

“It is the wrong proposal in the wrong place. 

“The committee can see the proposed location is immediately to the side of Warwick cemetery, if members have visited the site, we are talking really about a matter of metres between the proposed drive thru and the graves of those who are laid at rest in the cemetery in what should be and should remain a peaceful and protected environment.”

Proposing the plans be refused, Cllr Becky Davidson said: “I have to echo the objections that there is no need for the facility in the area. 

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“It will not benefit the local residents. The location just doesn’t make sense.”

She continued: “I think it is insensitive to the cemetery. 

“I have to agree with the officers’ report that there are too many planning reasons to [approve] this application, and I am happy to propose to accept the officers’ recommendation to refuse this application.”

The application was unanimously refused by councillors.