STARBUCKS MEMO TO COUNCIL PLANNERS: GET CRACKING - GRANT US CONSENT 'WITHOUT DELAY'

                                               

Plenty of 'warming' timber - how the Starbucks might look

SEATTLE-based coffee giant Starbucks has called on North East Lincolnshire Council to approve its proposed new drive-thru in Grimsby without delay.

A section of the former Ramsdens supermarket site off  Cleethorpe Road has been earmarked for the project which it is hoped will encouragement investment by retailers and other businesses.

Says  a letter to council planners from Starbucks' agents: "The scheme seeks to kickstart development at the Cleethorpe Road Local Centre, thereby regenerating, revitalising and transforming the area.

"The proposals are entirely acceptable in planning policy terms, and planning permission for this application, therefore, should be granted without delay."

Planners are unlikely to warm to the bossy tone of the note, but it is likely they will approve the application which represents a vote of confidence in this part of Grimsby,

Happily, some landscaping ideas have been incorporated into the scheme to "soften the appearance of the vehicle and parking areas".

These will include shrubs and a 'living fence' - in other words, a hedge to provide a 'green screen' 0.75m (2.5ft) high to minimise the view of vehicles using the drive-thru.

Semi-mature trees will be planted in key areas - principally along Park Street around the new pedestrian link.

These will frame the approach into the site and improve the visual aspect across the drive-thru lane.

According to a report, "high quality" materials are proposed for the property.

The main facade cladding will be dark grey flat metal, while timber and accoya will be  used in feature areas of the building and the soffits to "add warmth". 

It is understood a Grimsby firm, George Street Builders is in pole position to secure the construction contract if the application is approved.

                                                

A section of the plan as submitted to the council

The Grimsby News says: This is a welcome project though planners could it enhance if they stipulate that the  'living fence' is of a native species such as copper beech or hornbeam and  least double the  height proposed. Even a small car like a Toyota Yaris is almost 1.8m from ground to ceiling so the Starbucks proposal (0.75m) would be as ineffective as a 'screen' as it is at other drive-thru premises in the borough. A higher hedge would be visually much more  pleasing and, importantly, contribute to the  biodiversity of the site.