Third attempt for plan to convert surgery to coffee shop

IT COULD be third-time lucky for a plan to open a drive-through Starbucks in Harrogate.

International petrol stationmanaging firm Euro Garages submitted an application in May to convert a former dental surgery on Wetherby Road into a drivethrough coffee shop.

Last year, a Government Inspector upheld Harrogate Borough Council’s decision to reject a similar proposal last year.

Euro Garages had lodged an appeal after their application was knocked back by the authority in August 2017 amid concerns over the impact it might have on highway safety, air quality and nearby residents.

A representative of the Government Inspectorate subsequently backed the council’s decision, on the grounds that a business at the site would cause “unacceptable” harm to the living conditions of nearby residents.

However, in an updated planning statement, Euro Garages state the inspector’s decision was considered “very carefully” in the revised scheme.

The new plans include a reduction in the size of the proposed building to allow for an increased amount of landscaping between the business and neighbouring properties, while parking has been relocated to the front of the unit further away from existing dwellings.

Harrogate Council’s planning committee will now consider the new application when it meets on Monday.