Plans for a new drive-thru coffee shop and one retail unit in Stoke-on-Trent have been refused by the local council.

ELG Planning applied for the "partial demolition and subdivision to create 1no. drive-thru coffee shop and 1no. retail/commerical units" at the former Lidl on Edensor Road in Longton.

The building has most recently been occupied by a charity shop, which has now relocated into Longton Exchange Shopping Centre.

A Heritage Statement, submitted as part of the application, states: "The proposed physical alterations will support the delivery of modern, visually attractive retail / commercial units that will enhance the general appearance of this dated, bland former foodstore building and wider site with resultant benefits for the visual amenity of the local area. 

A site plan revealed at Starbucks were intending on taking over the unit (Image via planning application).

"The proposed 26-bay charging hub will operate 24/7 and will serve business and personal users in the local area, including customers of the proposed retail / commercial units and wider town centre, as well as providing en-route charging facilities for passing traffic on the surrounding highway network."

A proposed site plan reveals that Starbucks were intending on taking over the unit, but the plans were refused by the council today (30 August).

A full Officer's Report has not yet been published but Staffordshire Police and Highways both raised concerns about the development.



The unit was most recently occupied by a charity shop (Nub News).

For example, police said: "The rather bizarre large, narrow/high/long semi-freestanding structure which extends from the north-eastern corner of the building parallel with the Strand at back of pavement appears set to remain. This featureless structure seems entirely redundant aside from representing something of an eyesore. There would appear to be a tremendous opportunity, which currently appears to be missed, to remove this as part of the redevelopment proposals.

"Secondly, mindful of anti-social issues experienced at Phoenix Retail Park not far away including in connection with other drive-through facilities, it is strongly recommended that consideration be given by the applicant to installing suitable fencing along the north-east site boundary."

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READ MORE: Detailed plans for regenerating three historic Stoke-on-Trent buildings revealed

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