Hortons drive-thru hits the skids

Plans for a new Tim Hortons drive-thru in Motherwell have hit the skids.

The decision on whether to refuse or grant planning permission to construct a drive-thru takeaway in Motherwell has been postponed after a meeting of North Lanarkshire Council’s planning subcommittee last Thursday.

The new store is expected to create 25 jobs, create £50,000 in business rates and invest £2million in the local economy.

However, the paper that went before councillors recommends that the proposal be refused for“failing to provide sufficient off street parking”.

Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig councillor Agnes Magowan backed the planning department’s decision to recommend refusal.

She said:“It is stated that ‘a total of 27 car parking spaces including two disabled bays will be provided’. Yes for customers but where will the staff park and what if they are all full where will the overspill go?”

A total of 71 objections were received, many from regular users of Windmillhill Street and Knowetop Avenue, who expressed their opinions on the plans for the 24-hour cafe and drive-thru near to Knowetop Primary.

Conservative councillor Nathan Wilson has also objected to the plans.

“The proposed location is adjacent to a bad junction and if a Tim Hortons were to be built here, it could lead to a deterioration in safety for motorists and pedestrians,”he added.

A Tim Hortons spokesperson said:“The proposed Tim Hortons restaurant in Motherwell will be discussed at a further Council hearing. We look forward to working with the local authorities to secure the site, bringing further jobs and investment in to the local economy.”