Starbucks drive-thru plans set to be refused
PLANS for a new Starbucks coffee shop on the outskirts of Cardiff are set to be turned down.
The global coffee chain wants to open a drive-thru unit in Brooklands Retail Park near the Culverhouse Cross roundabout on the A4232.
If plans are allowed, the new drive-thru would add to the 16 Starbucks coffee shops which are already open in the Cardiff area.
But the proposal for a 17th Starbucks looks set to go back to the drawing board as Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Planning Committee has been advised by council officers to refuse the development when it meets tomorrow.
A report to the council says: “The proposed drive-thru unit would result in a significant reduction in the level of parking available amounting to an underprovision of car parking to serve the proposed and existing units on the site resulting in congestion and highway safety implications within the wider highway network.”
If allowed, the new Starbucks would mean 57 car parking spaces in the retail park would be lost, leaving 160 spaces in the northern part of the site and another 66 spaces adjacent to the existing Burger King.
It would also mean 18 trees would be felled, but the applicant would plant 21 trees to replace them.
Planning agent RPS said there would be more than enough parking spaces, even at peak times, if the new Starbucks is allowed.
A planning statement on behalf of Starbucks says: “The development proposes to reanimate this prominent Northern end of the Brooklands retail park facing Culverhouse Cross roundabout, creating a vibrant attractive space enhancing the feel of the development.
“The outdoor terrace and windows around the perimeter of the building will create a natural overlooking from ground level. Together with the bustling activity of the coffee shop there will be an increased perceived level of safety in the area.”
According to its website, Starbucks currently has 16 stores in Cardiff – including four on Queen Street alone – as well as outlets in Talbot Green, Bridgend, and Sarn.