Costa Coffee drive-through planned for Wolverhampton
Plans for a new Costa Coffee drive-through near Wolverhampton city centre have finally been given clearance by council planners this week following several months of delays.
The new premises, set to be built on empty scrubland on the corner of Birmingham New Road and Spring Vale in Lanesfield, had initially prompted concerns from nearby residents over potential noise and littering.
Despite delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the applicants requesting more time to review plans, city council bosses approved the move this week. Once open, the store will create five full-time and 12 part-time jobs.
However, in June this year – when the application went before city planners – concerned residents objected strongly to the proposal.
Jasdeep Gill, who lives nearby, told the council that the development would lead to a potential increase in traffic and anti-social behaviour.
She said: “This will easily create a lot of traffic in the area and that junction is already very busy so it could result in things being gridlocked.
“There is already a danger for cars and pedestrians, particularly elderly people and children, as there are several local schools in the area and it is already very difficult for people to cross at that junction as there are no road markings.
“I am also concerned about the possibility of increased litter from passing cars. We’ve had incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area in the past and I don’t want this to increase, with people having the opportunity to buy food and drinks and then congregate near the area.
“We’ve had to have CCTV installed and the police have been called out several times.”
At the time of the council planning committee’s original hearing, six letters of objection had been received from people living nearby, citing similar concerns.
The application was made by Deeley Properties (Wolverhampton) Ltd, together with the long-established Forty Four Club, located adjacent to the site.
Speaking on behalf of both applicants, David Green told the committee that the plans were a unique opportunity to secure jobs and investment for the area.
Wolverhampton Council planners agreed the development this week.
