Plans have been submitted to build a drive-thru coffee unit on a busy roundabout in Woodley.
The application from TA Fisher includes the building of the Starbucks drive-thru with associated parking, landscaping and access, following the demolition of two existing dwellings and changes to the existing parking layout.
The site on the A4 includes existing retailers, as well as the residential properties at 40 Shepherds Hill and 713 London Road.
The application notes how the site is irregular in shape, and measures approximately 4,250sq.m.
“It is located on the central section of the Shepherds Hill roundabout, with a mix of surrounding and nearby land uses including E Class retail, residential, a petrol filling station, an M&S Food Hall and a variety of other land uses on the northern side of Shepherds Hill including a gym and dry cleaners.”
The application proposes to extend the existing car parking area serving the retail units, and provide a Starbucks drive thru/café.
The plans include seven additional parking spaces alongside six additional cycle spaces.
Access to the site will be via the existing point of access from London Road, on the south/westbound side of the roundabout. The exit will remain as per the existing layout on the north side of the roundabout onto Shepherds Hill.
The proposed drive thru will be served by a 3.5m-wide one-way access loop that will have the capacity to accommodate eight cars queuing, and avoid the need for cars to wait in the parking area.
Part of the development proposals are to demolish the existing bungalow at the southern end of the site, and to utilise this area to extend the existing car parking.
A total of 46 car parking spaces (including existing, reconfigured and new ones) are proposed to serve the three existing retail units and the proposed drive-thru. This includes two new disabled spaces to compliment the two existing disabled spaces.
The development will also provide two electric vehicle charging points, in line with government guidance.
In a letter of objection to the plans, Woodley Town Council wrote: “Members of the Planning and Community Committee have considered this application and wish to submit objections.
“The Committee was concerned about the significant increase in traffic the introduction of this Starbucks drive-through would have on the roundabout. There were especially 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 at the roundabout, and recognised that these had included cyclists.
“Whilst the Committee believe the application should be refused by Wokingham Borough Council, they stated that, if the application were to be approved, a condition should be included to ensure that a significant improvement is made to the walking and cycling infrastructure within the vicinity to reduce the risk of accidents caused by the increased traffic levels.
“Finally, there was concern on the impact this development would have on the neighbouring properties to the west of the site, and members requested consideration be made to better boundary treatment in the plans, to include the planting of trees and shrubs, so as to mitigate against the increased noise, light and exhaust pollution.”
The public consultation for a Starbucks at Shepherd’s Hill will remain open until November 28.
For more information search application number 232620 on Wokingham Borough Council’s planning portal.
