Plans for a Starbucks drive-thru including fast EV chargers near Caerphilly are under review amid local objections.
It sits near HBH Land Rovers. The site borders two councils: Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) and Caerphilly. Road access is within Caerphilly though.
The cafe plans 35 parking spots. Twelve spaces are for electric cars, with six of those spots charging cars quickly. Two charging spaces are for disabled drivers, and two normal spots also exist for disabled drivers.
Fast chargers can charge car batteries quickly, going from zero to 80% in 20 minutes. The plan includes bike racks also, and a loading bay is in the design. Job info and hours aren’t available now.
RCT Council will decide if the plan passes. The planning committee meets soon, and they will discuss the Starbucks proposal.
Sixty-four locals wrote objection letters, while one person sent a support letter. Some worry if the build is needed at all, and others question its look and design. Air quality and health were concerns too. People also mentioned ecology and drainage issues.
RCT planners suggest approving the project. They note the spot is outside town, yet charging helps people in both areas. These chargers aid carbon goals for RCT, too.
Planners know locals object a lot. Still, the project won’t hurt the area much. Neighbors’ privacy won’t suffer, and roads won’t get that bad either. Both councils agree on road access. Weighing all factors, it seems okay.