A new Starbucks drive-thru could soon open in Merseyside under new plans.
Plans to open a new Starbucks at Ravenhead Retail Park in St Helens were submitted to the council's planning department on April 1. The coffee shop would move into the old Carphone Warehouse unit, which became vacant in March 2020.
Corona Vulcan Ravenhead Limited submitted planning permission to request a change of use on the building from a retail unit to a drive-thru café or restaurant.
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According to planning documents, it's expected the new Starbucks would employ 25 staff in total, including 15 full-time and 10 part-time positions. The shop would be open between 6am and 11pm from Monday to Sunday.
Adding a drive-thru would see 13 parking spaces removed, with 20 bays remaining.
Corona Vulcan Ravenhead Limited, said: "Unit 14 would be occupied by Starbucks as a drive-thru café/restaurant. Starbucks have agreed terms with the Applicant, who are the sole owner of the unit.
"No increase in floorspace is proposed."
The company said they believe the proposals would not have an impact on St Helens town centre as the majority of customers would be in the retail park for other reasons.
In a statement, they said: "The proposals would facilitate the beneficial occupation of vacant retail floorspace at the Retail Park and provide a significant number of employment opportunities for local people."
The public planning consultation will last until April 26. A determination deadline has been set for May 27.