Plans submitted for new Starbucks drive-thru near Staffordshire tourist attraction

A Starbucks drive-thru proposed for a North Staffordshire tourist attraction could create up to 20 new jobs – but concerns have been raised about increased traffic and loss of parking spaces.

Trentham Leisure has earmarked the new coffee shop for part of Trentham Estate’s car park to the south of Premier Inn.

A planning application submitted to Stafford Borough Council stated that up to 20 full time equivalent jobs were set to be created and the proposed opening hours for the drive thru would be 6am to 10pm each day.

A planning statement also submitted as part of the application said: “This current proposal is within the retail part of the business and is aimed at filling a gap for ‘Grab and Go’ facilities that are not currently available at the estate – specifically a café which is open early (pre-8am) and also seeks to fill a gap in the drive thru network along the A34 corridor. It will complement the existing facilities and attractions at Trentham, offering something different that is not currently available to Trentham’s customers.

“Starbucks, the proposed incoming operator, has identified that there is agap in its drive thru network on this stretch of the A34 which they determine with regards to drive times of more than five minutes. They have identified the Trentham Estate to be a viable location to meet this identified need, which also has the benefit of existing attractions and customers on site.

“It would therefore serve existing customers who are visiting Trentham and any passers-by/commuters who may have diverted from the M6 who require refreshment and are already on the road. The drive thru would also provide a more convenient option for those travelling with reduced mobility, or who cannot leave their car due to disability or health issue.”

Swynnerton Parish Council has objected to the application however. Reasons included loss of existing car parking spaces and additional traffic onto a junction that is already at capacity.

A statement of community involvement revealed that more than 900 people gave feedback to a two-week public consultation held in the spring. More than 75% of the respondents felt “very negative” about the proposed Starbucks at the Trentham Estate, while more than 11% felt negative.

The statement said: “Whilst the headline sentiment appears overwhelmingly negative, analysis of the accompanying comments suggests that the primary concerns are centred on protecting Trentham’s reputation for independent businesses, alongside worries about traffic associated with a drive‑thru development. Many respondents perceive the proposal as introducing an American multinational brand that could divert trade away from existing independent operators.

“Concerns have also been raised about increased traffic, particularly given the already challenging congestion in the area and the proposed loss of parking spaces. However, the applicant’s assessment states that existing facilities operate at or near capacity during peak periods, and that a drive‑thru would provide extended opening hours for visitors to the estate, especially those staying at the hotel.

“The respondents also argue that the scheme would not materially worsen traffic conditions. The applicant’s detailed traffic modelling indicates that the loss of 67 parking spaces from the 2,040-space car park at Trentham would not adversely affect the operation of the car park, due to sufficient capacity in adjacent parking zones and across the wider Trentham Estate.

“Although the feedback suggests sentiment was predominantly negative, it is important to note that 102 individuals have expressed support for the proposal. Proportionately, this represents a relatively strong level of support compared with what is typically seen for applications of this nature.”

Comments received about the proposals included “this is an excellent proposal to further enhance the visitor facilities at Trentham and will provide more jobs” and “it’s a great idea as we have no drive‑thru options available in the Trentham area”, the statement added.

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