Newcastle City Council has unanimously rejected plans to demolish a closed pub and replace it with a Starbucks drive-thru. The planning committee voted against the proposal for The Balloon in Fenham on Friday morning.
Pub's History and Community Value
The Balloon, located on Silver Lonnen, shut down last year and was described as a “second home” for its regulars. Councillor Rachel Davison recalled the pub had its own football and women’s darts teams. Council officers suggested residents could seek to have the pub classified as an asset of community value to protect its future use.
Reasons for Rejection
Applicant Metalcraft Projects Limited argued the scheme would provide a new community facility and generate jobs. However, city planners believed a drive-thru coffee shop would not foster social interaction, as only a minority of customers would sit inside. The council’s transport and flood management departments both objected.
West Fenham ward councillor Mark Mitchell said roads around the site are already congested at peak hours and feared the development would worsen traffic. The Liberal Democrat added that a drive-thru Starbucks was “not the best way to increase community cohesion” and that other amenities could improve the community without causing traffic issues.
Design and Viability Concerns
Green Party councillor John Pearson questioned the venture’s viability, stating that “a redundant Starbucks in a couple of years’ time would look worse than a redundant public house.” Planners described the coffee shop’s design as “incoherent and disjointed.” While the council concluded there are enough other pubs in the area to meet demand, the application was rejected unanimously.
