A new drive-thru Starbucks has been approved retail park close to Bury town centre. Lion Share Properties Ltd has been granted permission for the coffee shop at the former Mencap unit within the Victoria Retail Park, opposite the current Lidl store.
Creating the new Starbucks branch would involve the partial demolition of a unit and external works to accommodate a drive thru lane. The western part of the building would be demolished, leaving a unit of 185 square metres, which includes a drive-thru pod projecting on the western side.
There are currently 103 parking spaces on site, shared with Lidl.
The new use would mean this would be reduced to 99 spaces. Six new electric car charging points have also been approved within existing car parking spaces to the east of the proposed drive-thru lane.
A transport assessment with the plans said the estimated trip generation during the busiest Saturday peak hour (10am-11pm) from the drive-thru would result in around 53 additional two-way movements. This would equate to around one vehicle movement every minute.
Last year, a similar application by Lion Share Properties was rejected by planners in Bury due to road safety fears. A design and access report in support of the approved plans addressed those issues.
It said: “The refusal reasons primarily related to highways and servicing arrangements. “The applicant has since revisited the proposals and has employed a qualified transport consultant to design a scheme which would be highways compliant.”
If approved, the drive-thru Starbucks will operate from the currently vacant former Mencap unit which has been empty for a considerable period.
The design and access report said the scheme would have economic benefits for Bury.
It said: “This statement has justified the merits and acceptability of the proposed conversion of part of the premises into a drive-thru coffee outlet.
“The application proposal would make effective use of the brownfield plot, would provide a good quality coffee shop and drive thru whilst promoting consumer choice and generating employment for local people.
“Permitting the proposal would not result in adverse impacts to the local highway network or on amenity and the scheme will enhance the street scene aesthetically.”
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