Coffee plan ‘would serve up new jobs’

A new Costa Coffee drive-thru could soon land in Washi n g to n u n d e r p ro p o s a l s being considered by planning chiefs.

Proposals have been submitted to Sunderland City Council for a section of car park at the Peel Centre, off Spire Road.

T h e a p p l i c at i o n , from Peveril Securities Ltd, includes a 168 square metre building with a drive-thru facility and associated physical works.

According to planning documents, Costa Coffee has been identified as the end user, with the development expected to create nine full-time jobs.

The plans would also lead to the loss of around 27 spaces at the existing car park.

A covering letter submitted on behalf of the applicant states the proposed building and drive-thru will “complement the existing retail function of the wider site.”

It reads: “It is now well-established that operations of the type proposed do not act as destinations in their own right, but rather that they meet the needs of existing visitors to the site by providing a complementary facility. “It follows that the proposed development will not compete directly with cafes and other similar facilities within Washington town centre and other defined centres.”

The statement goes on to say: “The proposed development will have a series of positive economic effects which are important material considerations.

“The development will facilitate private sector investmentwithinWashingtonand demonstrates both investor and operator confidence in the commercial function and strength of the retail park, the town and district.”