New drive-thru proposed near Kibworth
Plans for a new drive-thru have emerged near Kibworth – but concerns about increased traffic have been raised.
An outline planning application, submitted by Manor Oak Homes, looks to erect the drive-thru and convenience food store on land west of Warwick Road in Kibworth Beauchamp.
The application, put before Harborough District Council (HDC), seeks permission in principle for the scheme on what is currently 1.27 hectares of overgrown grassland.
If approved, Manor Oak Homes’ scheme would be located immediately to the west of Kibworth at the junction of Wistow Road and Warwick Road.
Alongside the convenience store and the drive-thru, plans include new vehicle and pedestrian access from Warwick Road, a footpath connection at the north-east corner of the site, on-site parking and servicing space, and provision for up to 12 electric vehicle charging and disabled spaces.
Plans note the site previously had outline planning permission for “a mixture of commercial and industrial uses, office and retail use” as part of a wider scheme.
An illustrative layout has been provided with the plans, however, developers say the final layout would be submitted subject to the approval of the outline plans. The building would be one storey in height.
Documents state the area has been the subject of “significant housing growth”, including over 1,000 homes built in the area over the last 20 years, and a further 475 homes are included in the emerging Local Plan.
A letter outlining the plans was sent from the developers to 50 homes and businesses in the area last November. Plans note four comments were received back which indicated a need for the proposed facilities, although the comments also raised concerns about the potential for anti-social behaviour and requested measures that would mitigate this.
Concerns were also raised about increased traffic in the area, contributing to congestion and highway safety issues.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) contacted developers Manor Oak Homes to ask who would be operating the drive-thru.
A spokesperson said: “Discussions with developers and operators have informed the current proposal, and we anticipate contracting with the relevant parties shortly after planning consent is obtained, if Harborough District Council are minded to approve the scheme.”
Members of the public can view the planning documents and comment on the scheme on the HDC planning portal until Thursday, April 2. A target decision date has been set by the local authority for Friday, May 15.