TROUBLE is brewing over plans for a Costa drive-thru next to a cemetery in Warwick.
Members of Warwick District Council’s planning committee are set to refuse the planning application for a drive-thru facility on land east of Birmingham Road and Haywood Road Junction.
There have been a raft of objections but enough support to push councillors to discuss the application on Tuesday (October 7).
The proposal includes the erection of a single storey building of contemporary design with timber clad fronting and a zinc serving hatch.
Access is proposed off Haywood Road and a circular route is proposed around the building for the purposes of the drive-thru facility.
A total of 16 parking spaces are proposed with 12 regular parking spaces, two disabled parking spaces and two EV Charging spaces within the site
The submitted noise survey indicates that opening hours could be between 6am and 10pm.
Dwellings are located to the south and north west of the development, while the allotted land is also next to a cemetery.
Warwick Town Council has objected due to a potential Increase in the already heavy traffic levels in the area, noise levels for residents and the impacts of idling traffic on air quality levels.
Budbrooke Parish Council has objected due to the proposed site being adjacent to the cemetery.
They also consider the application “unneighbourly”.
There have been 166 letters of objection from the public.
Objectors say there is no need for a coffee outlet in the area and the increased traffic and operating hours would make the area intolerable for residents.
Concerns were also raised about the potential for anti-social behaviour and fears it would undermine the town centre offering.
There have been six letters of support. These state this area of Warwick is undeveloped for social interaction, a lot of local people would use the proposal and the site has been empty for years so it would be great to have some positive
development.
Planning officers have recommended councillors refuse the application. They state that while the principle of the development is acceptable and it would provide additional employment opportunities in the area, concerns remain about noise levels and highway safety.
