Starbucks drive-through refused planning permission

PLANS for a Starbucks cafe and drive-through on a busy roundabout have been rejected.

The application would have seen the development of the buildings, associated parking, landscaping and access following the demolition of two residential properties on the A4 at The Point on Shepherds Hill in Woodley.

In its decision notice, Wokingham Borough Council said: “The proposed development would result in the net loss of two-family size dwellings and gardens in a sustainable location within a major development location at a time when the Council are currently unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply as required by the National Planning Policy Framework.

“The justification behind this loss of the dwellings, and the subsequent erection of the commercial use, does not outweigh this policy conflict or the loss of houses.”

The application, submitted in November, had received a number of responses to the application, with most against the plans.

Woodley Town Council said members of its planning and community committee had considered this application.

“The Committee was concerned about the significant increase in traffic that the introduction of this Starbucks drive-through would have on the roundabout.

“There were concerns during any particularly busy times when queuing traffic, if sufficient in number, would have no alternative but to queue back onto the roundabout; the speed of traffic turning the relatively blind corner on the eastern end of the roundabout could lead to accidents.

“Members also noted accident numbers.”