New Starbucks approved for Stafford
A new Starbucks branch has been given the green light on the edge of Stafford.
Plans for the drive-through coffee shop and an electric vehicle charging station have been approved by Stafford Borough Council for land at Spitfire Close, next to the Arnold Clark dealership.
A planning statement submitted to the authority said the drive-through would create around 15 new jobs. There will be 27 car parking spaces and 17 electric vehicle charging (ECV) spaces.
The statement added: “The proposed uses will be complementary to the surrounding uses within the wider area. Immediately adjacent to the site is a family pub/restaurant, hotel and car dealership.
“In addition it will provide a new roadside service for the surrounding highway and nearby motorway network in a safe and convenient location for the high speed charging of electric vehicles. The nature of the development, with rapid charging for all vehicles, will provide opportunities for linked trips, as for example, users of the ECV station will be able to make use of the Starbucks coffee shop or the other nearby leisure uses as they wait.
Policy
“The introduction of a new EVC station will assist in reducing carbon emissions by providing a safe and convenient location for the high speed charging of electric vehicles. Establishing a network of electric vehicle charging stations is fully in line with government policy and will clearly assist in making this type of vehicle more practical and attractive to road users.”
The land is currently part of the outside sales display area at the Arnold Clark branch.
But not everyone has welcomed the plans.
A Trinity Gorse resident said: “The A34 link road is already a noisy area with Arnold Clarke operatives sounding horns every time a vehicle emerges onto the parking area. Will there be additional noise from late night boy racers?
“Hopefully the attraction will close at a reasonable hour.”
Creswell Parish Council raised concerns about potential littering issues in the area. Councillors called for a litter pick along the A34 and surrounding pavements and grassed areas to be included in planning conditions.
