A controversial planning application to build a new drive-thru outlet within the boundary of a Kendal supermarket car park has been approved.
Plans were originally submitted on December 1, 2021, to build a Costa Coffee drive-thru in the car park at Morrisons supermarket on Queen Katherines Avenue, and despite the submission of several official objections and concerns, plans have been given the go-ahead by South Lakeland District Council (SLDC).
The conclusion of the design statement submitted with the planning application said: "The scheme seeks to revitalise the existing WM Morrisons car park by offering more choice to customers and generating new employment opportunities through the provision of a new drive thru coffee shop."
Kendal Civic Society and Friends of the Lake District both expressed concerns that the development would be detrimental to the Cumbria Dark Skies Project, with Kendal Civic Society submitting: "We already have concerns about the level of light pollution associated with industrial, commercial, retail and leisure uses in the north-east quarter of Kendal which have been poorly managed by the development control process and allowed to accumulate to an unacceptable brightness and visibility from a considerable distance creating a visual and environmental nuisance.
"For example, signage on the Sainburys supermarket is clearly visible from the other side of the valley even before it is dark, and sports floodlighting is excessive and dazzling, particularly in Kendal's damp and misty climate."
A condition to acceptance was attached that the outlet would emit minimal light.
Kendal Town Council recommended rejection to SLDC, with the following objection noted in SLDC's decision notice: "Objects to the development on the followings grounds - impact on Dark Skies, additional traffic, over intensive and close to school site, detrimental to public health policies located so close to schools, no provision for increase in litter, encourage additional vehicle use, no net biodiversity gain, no need identified."
The development will reduce the total number of parking spaces by 55 to 610, but a survey carried out as part of the application showed that at peak times, maximum vehicle occupancy was 48 per cent.
SLDC stated among the reasons for its decision: "The proposal for the drive-thru will not have an adverse impact on the character of the area or the residential amenity of the neighbouring dwellings, nor will it have an adverse impact on highway safety, drainage, or contaminated land."
READ MORE: Food retailer plans first superstore of its kind in Cumbria - but what is it?
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel