Rhondda Cynon Taf Council delays Starbucks drive-thru with EV charging. Residents voice concerns over need and impact.
The plan is for land near Caerphilly’s Castle View estate. The application went to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council. It is near Penrhos roundabout. The site is by HBH Land Rovers on the A469.
The site sits on the border between two areas. The site is in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Access from Mountain Road is in Caerphilly. The cafe would have 35 parking spots. Twelve spaces would be for electric cars.
Six of these would feature fast charging. Two charging spots would be for disabled drivers. There would be two more disabled spaces. The fast chargers could fill a battery to 80% in 20 minutes. Plans include bike stands plus a loading area.
The Magic Bean Company would run the coffee shop. It would create ten full-time jobs. It would also create ten part-time jobs.
The council talked about the plans on February 13th. They asked officials to find reasons to reject it. Council officers had suggested approving the plan.
Sixty-four residents sent 77 letters against the plan. One letter supported it. Objections questioned if the drive-thru was really needed. People also mentioned its look. Other worries included air, health, wildlife, and drainage.
Council officers talked about the benefits. Fast chargers would help the council reach carbon goals. They aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. Officers said they have noted resident concerns.
But the project should not impact the area too much. It should not affect residents’ privacy. Neither council’s roads department objected to it. The council officers considered all the issues. They think the application is acceptable now.