Planning permission for a new drive-thru restaurant in Rochdale has been granted, despite no occupier being named. The former Pink Drips unit on Sandbrook Park, which closed in early 2024, will be refurbished by developer AIG Holdings Ltd.
Drive-thru lane details
The proposed drive-thru lanes would be built between the site and the neighbouring Pizza Hut, using part of the car park on the western section of the retail park. The developer has not yet decided on a potential occupier, intending to market the unit after securing planning permission.
AIG Holdings Ltd believes there is demand for more drive-thru units in the area, pointing to a Starbucks that opened at the site earlier this year. They consider the proposal the best economic use of the site going forward.
Planning application rationale
Planning papers, submitted by planning agent Stantec UK Limited, state: “The unit was until recently, occupied by Pink Drips Restaurant. However, following the expiry of the lease over a year ago, the unit has since stood vacant.”
“Our client is therefore seeking to market the unit to prospective occupiers, and in doing so, has found significant demand for units which have capabilities for a dual restaurant and drive-thru format when compared to traditional restaurant units.”
“Our client therefore wishes to accommodate these requirements in the interest of bringing the unit back into productive economic use. In doing so, our client also seeks to futureproof against vacancy in enabling them to accommodate both traditional restaurant uses and drive-thru format.”
