Drive-thru McDonalds and Costa coming to Suffolk Business Park
The plans were unanimously approved
A drive-thru McDonalds and Costa can be built at Suffolk Business Park, after the application received a unanimous thumbs up yesterday.
West Suffolk Council’s planning committee made the decision about the Bury St Edmunds development despite parish council objection and the committee’s own concerns about littering.
Justin Bainton, agent for the applicant, said at the meeting: “The proposed development is ideally located to serve motorists using the A14, and support current housing and upcoming development in the area.
“Since the concept statement was produced in 2007, it was always envisaged that Suffolk Business Park would provide services for motorists.
“The availability of such amenities is crucial to the overall success of Suffolk Business Park, being a key driver behind decisions of businesses to locate here.
“There is a strong drive to improve biodiversity and support ecology in the plans, with native planting species provided which will benefit local wildlife.”
The site to the south of General Castle Way is part of Suffolk Business Park’s extension, and is not currently being used.
The businesses will be served by car and cycle parking, and an internal access road, footpath and cycleway.
The application is intended to create ecological benefits through its landscaping, which will include tree and scrub planting as part of a new landscape buffer.
The site currently has little biodiversity as it comprises “bare, undeveloped land”, according to the officers’ report.
Litter concerns
Cllrs Brian Harvey, Peter Stevens and John Burns raised concerns about litter.
Cllr Harvey, who represents Barton Mills ward, said: “Litter is a real, genuine problem at Barton Mills and it is polluting the area around it.
“Is there a catchment area where McDonalds and Costa will be responsible for picking up litter dropped by their customers?”
Officers intend to ask the applicant to submit a litter management plan laying out collection proposals in the immediate area of the site, and to ensure litter bins are provided.
Cllr Burns agreed that litter was an important issue but also stated: “McDonalds are normally pretty good about the litter on site – they tend to have bins and people who go out to clear up rubbish.”
Cllr Harvey also mentioned his view that the highway signage was too close to the turnoff at Rougham junction, but officers explained this was an issue for Highways England rather than the applicant.
Rushbrooke with Rougham Parish Council objected when consulted on the application, listing reasons including littering, increased traffic levels, road noise, impact on the area’s character, potential anti-social behaviour and light pollution.