SIGNS for a new drive-thru Costa Coffee in Dumbarton have been given the green light – despite planning permission for the cafe being refused.
Members of West Dunbartonshire Council’s planning committee rejected planning permission for the drive-thru, which would have been situated on Glasgow Road near the Morrisons supermarket, last December.
That refusal is now the subject of an appeal to the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division however, and councillors were told this meant under planning legislation the council could not withhold determination of this application for the illuminated sign pending the outcome of the appeal.
It also means granting the application does not imply that the drive-thru coffee shop is now acceptable.
Members of the planning committee were advised that Costa Coffee had applied for a “Drive-thru” sign to be located near the proposed coffee with an illuminated Costa Coffee sign located inside the building.
Mike Powell, an agent for the applicant, said: “This application is for the signage associated with the proposed drive thru which is currently at its appeal.
“It is important to note that the signage application has no bearing on the current appeal and must be determined on safety and amenity conditions only. The proposals are made up of illuminated and non-illuminated signs as well as pole signs.”
Councillors were informed about concerns raised about the application from Dumbarton East and Central Community Council.
They objected on the grounds of noise, road safety in relation to traffic levels and incidents of speeding, number of fast food outlets in the area and proposed signage being excessive.
Councillor Karen Conaghan said: “I was wondering if a condition could be added that no signs could be erected until consent for the coffee shop was actually granted.”
Building standards manager Pamela Clifford responded: “The majority of the signage is in relation to the building which cannot be developed unless permission is granted by the appeals unit.
“To put a condition on would be quite reasonable I think but it is a matter for the agent directly.”
Following the discussion, the application was granted unanimously.
