Flintshire Costa Coffee drive-thru plans refused permission due to potential environmental impact
Plans for a new drive-thru Costa Coffee store in Flintshire has been refused due to concerns over the potential impact of phosphate emissions on a Special Area of Conservation.
Impero Ltd had submitted plans to Flintshire Council on behalf of the coffee chain in February to build the new store at the junction of Chester Road and Ponterwyl in Mold.
The site would be situated on a 0.9-hectare brownfield site next to a busy five-arm roundabout, which leads to a Tesco supermarket.
The land was formerly part of Mold Builders Merchants, with one vacant two-storey derelict building which would be demolished.
The proposed site is surrounded by well-known retail chains, including Tesco, B&M, McDonald’s, Aldi, Iceland, and Home Bargains.
A Design and Access Statement submitted with the application notes that the site has “good pedestrian and cycle access” and is within walking distance of the urban area of Mold and close to the bus station.
The proposed building would be single-story and “not have an impact on the surrounding area, according to the proposal.”
Vehicle access to the site is from Chester Road and the site would have parking for 23 vehicles, including two accessible spaces and one waiting bay, will be available.
The development has faced objections from various organisations, including Ramblers Cymru, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, and Natural Resources Wales.
The proposal for the coffee shop, submitted to the Local Planning Authority, raised concerns regarding its potential impact on traffic, health, and the environment.
Ramblers Cymru, a walking charity, expressed serious reservations about the planning application’s general planning merit, as it would generate a high volume of traffic.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board raised concerns about the application’s location, as it is in proximity to educational settings and existing restaurants/shops that sell food and drinks high in fat, salt, and sugar. The Health Board also highlighted the health challenges within the area.
Similarly, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) expressed concerns about the proposal, stating that inadequate information had been provided in support of the application.
NRW advised that further consideration is required regarding foul drainage, and a condition regarding land contamination should be attached to any planning permission granted.
Two email representations have been received, raising concerns about traffic generation and impact upon the highway network.
“Mold already has thirteen coffee shops and cafes in the town centre area, plus another half dozen or so in the surrounding area, including two drive-thru outlets.”
“The location of the outlet, as per this planning application, is already an extremely busy junction – a five-arm roundabout that is already too small for the amount of traffic using it, especially during the morning and evening peak periods.” One resident wrote.
Mold Councillor Chris Bithell raised concerns that the development would “undermine the viability of the Town Centre and lead to an increased in traffic at a busy roundabout compromising highways safety.”
According to a report by Jenni Perkins, the planning officer from Flintshire, the proposal fails to acknowledge the potential impact of phosphate emission into the catchment of the River Dee and Bala Lake Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and does not adequately demonstrate that such impact can be negated.
In her conclusion, Ms Perkins said: “The proposal does not comply with Policy EN 15 of the Local Development Plan, and at this time, it is recommended that permission be refused.”
Spotted something? Got a story? Send a Facebook Message | A direct message on Twitter | Email: News@Deeside.comLatest News
