New drive-thru Starbucks and Greggs to be built in Sheffield

Sheffield Council’s planning and highways committee approved plans to build two retail units – one understood to be Greggs – and a cafe with a drive-thru facility – believed to be Starbucks – with 31 car parking spaces and associated access at The Common, in Ecclesfield.

Ahead of the vote, councillor Roger Davidson, member of the committee, said: “It’s a brilliant scheme, let’s go for it.”

In a report before the meeting, council officers recommended it for approval and said: “There are no suitable or available in centre, edge of centre, or sequentially preferable out of centre sites capable of accommodating the proposed development and it is considered that the small size of the proposal is unlikely to draw trade from food and non-food stores in Chapeltown District Centre to the extent that it will undermine the vitality and viability of the centre as whole.

“The existing site contributes little to the character of the area. The proposed development comprises of three relatively small single storey units, a new one metre high stone wall along the site frontage and landscaping which will contribute to the character of the area.

“The proposals will not cause significant harm to the living conditions of nearby residents.

“It is considered that the anticipated trip generation from the proposed development is relatively minor compared to existing background traffic conditions residents and the proposals raise no highway safety concerns.

“It is considered that the benefits of the proposal significantly and demonstrably outweigh the adverse impacts of the proposal when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole.”

A total of 33 representations were received by the council from local residents, 28 of which were objections and four supported the plans.

There were two petitions against the proposals with 278 signatures.

Concerns raised included harmful impact on businesses and increase traffic.

Those in support said it could bring jobs and attract more footfall.

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