STORM IS BREWING
Anger over proposal to open 24-hour drive-thru coffee shop next to a school
Plans to open a 24-hour drive-thru coffee shop next to a school have sparked concern.
Some residents are angry at the proposal from coffee and donuts giant Tim Hortons to move next to Knowetop Primary in Motherwell.
And a town councillor has said parking is already “precarious” on Knowetop Avenue.
The Advertiser has viewed plans lodged with North Lanarkshire Council, but when we contacted Tim Horton a spokesperson said: “We always keep our donuts close to our chest until we’re ready to make an announcement”. A transport assessment carried out on behalf of the Canadian firm states: “The existing site will be formalised to form a simple priority junction with Knowetop Avenue on the southern boundary of the site.
“The main vehicular access will also support pedestrian access, however an additional pedestrian and cyclist access will be provided via Windmill Street.”
Previously occupied by an office unit, the site would allow provision for 24 to 36 parking spaces.
Labour councillor Kenneth Duffy said: “I encourage all local residents to make their opinions heard in writing. Traffic and parking on Knowetop Avenue is precarious already, especially when the school finishes and this would only add to the congestion.”
And SNP councillor Agnes Magowan said: “I sent the message out to a number of people in this area to encourage them to object.
“I have been fighting congestion at Knowetop, Edward Street, Gavin Street and Manse Road since I became a councillor and I will continue to do so. A drive-thru Tim Hortons on Knowetop Avenue just seems ridiculous to me.”
A number of public objections have already been lodged with the council. David Love, the vicepresident of Dalzell Bowling Club, has raised concerns about traffic and the environment.
He said: “We would therefore be subject to exhaust fumes from parked and idling vehicles; passenger and vehicles noise, which would disrupt our bowlers; invasion of privacy from onlookers from the proposed premises; reduction in security of our property.”
Anne Campbell said: “This site is on a busy road congested junction which is dangerous in such close proximity to a primary school. Children’s safety should be of highest priority.”
Anne Macmillan said: “Congestion needs to be relieved in this area, not added to.”
Jac White said: “It is dangerous for pedestrians at the moment so I don’t think adding a drive-thru would be beneficial to the area.”
James Wallace said: “This application is a major risk to public safety and should be rejected.”
A council spokesman said: “The application is currently being assessed and will be go before a future planning sub-committee.”