Appeal lodged after Starbucks drive-thru knock back
Developers of a controversial proposal for a new Starbucks drive-thru in Uddingston have lodged an appeal to the Scottish Government.
The original application to demolish the existing car wash building at the Bothwell Road site – adjacent to the town’s BP garage and Tesco store – and build the coffee shop, a jet wash facility, site access, parking and associated works was rejected by the planning committee in November last year.
Overall, 18 councillors opposed the plans, with only three in favour of the new development.
Council planning officers were in favour of the plans, but councillors went against their recommendations for approval on the grounds of negative impact to traffic, movement and parking following backlash from some residents and local business owners.
The council’s roads services management team, environmental health and roads and transportation services also said that they had no objections to the plans – leaving the developers utterly stunned by the refusal, in particular as it would bring new jobs to the Lanarkshire town.
So much so, that they submitted an appeal to the Scottish Government earlier this month.
The move has led to the Scottish Greens’msp for Central Scotland, Gillian Mackay, to again voice her concerns over the proposal, labelling the plans“totally reckless”.
Ms Mackay said:“i was delighted last year when South Lanarkshire Council’s planning committee listened to resident concerns and rejected this application.
“I’m disappointed that Starbucks have gone down the appeal route, but not surprised. I have listened to the concerns of my constituents and I will continue to battle against this development.
“Uddingston does not need a drive-thru Starbucks that will increase traffic and air pollution.
“It is clear from the high number of objections that this development is not what the local community want.
“This would come with an environmental and social cost.
“National planning priorities have changed to recognise the need to tackle the climate emergency.“
Ms Mackay added: “Cities and towns across Scotland need to be models of healthier and greener living and put walking, cycling and wheeling above private car use.”
A spokesperson for the Starbucks development said that they did not wish to comment.