Eighteen objections to drive-through plans off A41

Plans for a drive-through development in Shropshire have been met by 18 objections.

The proposals would see drive-through Starbucks and KFC, and a "drive-to" Greggs, next to the Raven Cafe off the A41 in Prees Heath near Whitchurch.

Among objections, one said there was "no clear evidence of unmet local demand" for three new drive-throughs. Another person raised "substantial concerns", including over extra late-night traffic.

The applicant, McGowan Grocott, said the scheme would create up to 70 jobs and it was working with and supporting the existing cafe.

Daniel McGowan said: "As local people, we are very conscious of the popularity of the Raven Cafe and, from the outset, we wanted to work with the current tenant to support their business.

"We have agreed to buy the development land from the owners of the cafe and have consulted with them on the detail of our plans."

He said the "excellent position of the site", just off both the A41 and A49, had attracted a lot of interest from food and drink retailers, adding "we were very pleased to secure early commitments from KFC, Greggs and Starbucks, subject to planning consent".

"We anticipate that, as well as servicing passing traffic, the new sustainable site will be well supported by the local community,"he said.

The development also brings 67 parking spaces, eight electric vehicle charging points, six accessible spaces and new landscaping.

Planning documents state the businesses could be open from 06:00 to midnight.

Objecting to the plans, Alexander Himsley said it was in a predominantly rural area and had existing overnight HGV rest facilities.

"There is no clear evidence of unmet local demand for three additional drive-through units here, nor any significant planned growth or infrastructure that would support this scale of roadside food development," he wrote.

And Sharon Jones said, in its current form, the application raised "substantial concerns", including over additional traffic, the loss of HGV parking provision, highway safety and access, economic need, ecology and air quality.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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