Council frustrated by renewed appeal for Starbucks drive-thru at Elgar Retail Park citing safety concerns.
Ed Kimberley, a local councilor, spoke about it. He said it is like a “zombie” idea that keeps coming back. The council looked at it many times, and they think the drive-thru cannot be made safe.
The parking lot is already crowded, and drivers get confused. This Starbucks plan would remove spaces, taking away 46 regular spots. It also limits access to 73 more.
They would add only 16 new spots. This plan also removes access for walkers and wheelchairs, meaning people could not safely reach shops by taxi. Wheelchair users would have trouble too.
Crossing the parking lot would become very dangerous. Kimberley asks why Starbucks does not use empty shops there. He wants a regular coffee shop instead.
He hopes the Planning Inspectorate stops the drive-thru plan for good. People can send comments to the Planning Inspectorate website. Legal and General, who manage the park, did not comment.