Starbucks is set to open its third branch in Wigan after plans for a drive-thru at Marus Bridge Retail Park were approved by the council's planning committee. The new coffee shop will be located on the retail park in the Winstanley area, which currently hosts Sainsbury's, a McDonald's drive-thru, B&M, and a petrol station.
Details of the Development
The drive-thru will be built over 54 existing parking spaces, with six new spaces added, resulting in a net loss of 48 spaces. Vehicle access will be from Worthington Way, connecting to the A49 Warrington Road to the east. Residential homes lie to the east, beyond the retail park and Warrington Road.
Concerns Raised by Councillors
Councillor Clive Morgan, a ward member, raised concerns about increased traffic and the loss of parking spaces. He requested a site visit by the planning committee before a decision. Committee member Councillor David Hurst supported the visit, stating it would be 'difficult to visualise' the location and traffic flow. However, the majority of the committee rejected the proposal for a site visit.
Support for the Application
Councillor Yvonne Klieve proposed approval, saying, 'I know this site well and I feel it lends itself to a drive-thru. We've already got McDonalds and there's adequate parking and entrance and exit.' The planning report noted that the site, though outside a defined centre, is within an established retail park in a sustainable and accessible location with good transport links.
Impact on Parking and Traffic
The report also stated that nearby residential properties are separated from the site by Warrington Road and are more than 80 metres from the drive-thru unit. The development aligns with requirements to prioritise accessible and well-connected sites for out-of-centre proposals.
