Coffee shop drive-thru at Marus Bridge Retail Park, Wigan

What was proposed

The application proposed a single-storey coffee shop drive-thru with landscaping, supporting infrastructure, engineering works, parking and cycle spaces.

“Development proposed: Erection of a coffee shop drive-thru unit (Sui Generis) with associated landscaping, supporting infrastructure and engineering works.”

“The proposed drive-thru unit will be located within the northern section of the vehicle parking area, alongside the railings which partially separate the existing car park. The application extends across a total of 54 no. parking spaces, and the development includes 6 no. new spaces (two of which will be accessible bays) along with two motorcycle spaces. Cycle parking provision will consist of 3 no. cycle loops to accommodate 6 no.”

Officer report

The site

The site occupies part of the existing parking area at a retail park, near railings, commercial uses, a petrol station and another drive-thru.

“The application site is located within Marus Bridge Retail Park and comprises part of the existing vehicle parking area serving the retail park.”

“The retail park is characterised by large retail food stores and commercial uses together with associated parking and servicing areas. The majority of units are served by the large vehicle parking area located centrally within the retail park. To the south of the site are additional commercial uses, including a petrol filling station and a McDonald’s drive‑thru restaurant, which are served by dedicated parking areas.”

Officer report

Planning history

There were no earlier applications for the specific site in isolation, but the wider retail park had several approved applications, including the original retail park permission.

“There are no previous planning applications recorded for this specific application site, as submitted, in isolation, however, several applications relate to the wider retail park and adjacent retail units and associated works, as follows:”

“Application number: A/94/42961 (Marus Bridge Retail Park) – Full Application to erect food retail store (58,000 sq. ft.), non-food retail store (33,640 sq. ft.) and garden centre (11,500sq. ft.), no-food retail store (10,000 sq. ft.), drive-through fast food restaurant and petrol filling station and to layout car parking (688 spaces), service areas, access roads and landscaping. Approved with conditions on 8 February 1995.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Consultees raised no objection in principle after further information, subject to conditions covering coal mining, drainage, cycle parking, runoff and landscaping.

“A further Coal Mining Risk Assessment report have been provided. The Coal Authority has reviewed the additional report and no longer objects to the scheme in principle. The updated report identifies potential risks associated with past mining activity, including a possible buried opencast highwall, deep made ground, and shallow coal workings.”

“United Utilities raise no objection in principle, however, they advise that essential drainage and infrastructure details have not yet been provided. They state that further information is required, particularly in relation to sustainable drainage, sewer connections, and asset locations but confirm that these matters could be adequately addressed and secured through appropriately worded planning conditions (including a pre-commencement drainage condition).”

Officer report

What people said

One representation raised concerns about additional traffic and lost parking spaces and requested a committee site visit.

“The application was publicised in accordance with statutory requirements and the Wigan Council Code of Practice for the Publicity for Planning Applications. Written notification was sent to the adjacent commercial units, and two site notices were also displayed.”

“One representation from Councillor Morgan has been received raising concerns over additional traffic and loss of car parking spaces. Councillor Morgan has also requested that Planning Committee undertake a site visit.”

Officer report

Speaking arrangements

The report allowed one speaker against and one speaker in favour, each for four minutes.

The decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to the listed conditions.

“The Committee approve the planning application and grant planning permission, subject to the conditions specified below.”

“No development shall take place until details of a sustainable surface water drainage scheme and a foul water drainage scheme have been submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority. The drainage schemes must include: (i) An investigation of the hierarchy of drainage options in the National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (or any subsequent amendment thereof).”

Minutes