Developers of a controversial proposal for a new Starbucks drive-thru in Uddingston have successfully won their appeal.
The original application to demolish the existing car wash building at the Bothwell Road site – adjacent to the town’s BP garage and Tesco store – and build the coffee shop, a jet wash facility, site access, parking and associated works was rejected by a South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) planning committee back in November last year.
Despite council planning officers being in favour of the plans, 18 councillors went against their recommendations for approval on the grounds of negative impact to traffic, movement and parking following backlash from some residents and local business owners.
Only three were in favour of the new development.
The council’s roads services management team, environmental health and roads and transportation services also said that they had no objections to the plans – leaving the developers utterly stunned by the refusal, in particular as it would bring new jobs to the Lanarkshire town.
So much so, that they submitted an appeal to the Scottish Government back in March of this year, which has now been approved.
The plans caused controversy in the Lanarkshire town and neighbouring village of Bothwell with people feeling a drive-thru facility would cause tailbacks in traffic on the busy road, as well as local business owners worried it would "ruin" them.
Scottish Greens’ MSP for Central Scotland, Gillian Mackay, also voiced her concerns over the proposal, labelling the plans “totally reckless”.
Ms Mackay said at the time she was “delighted" when SLC's planning committee listened to resident concerns and rejected the application.
She also said she would continue to "battle against this development."
A spokesman acting on behalf of the developers told Lanarkshire Live : "We are delighted the Scottish Government recognise this is a perfect site for a new Starbucks coffee shop and drive-thru."
The Scottish Governement have been contacted for comment.
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