Drive-thru coffee shop at Police Station, Midland Street, Long Eaton

What was proposed

The application sought demolition of the former police station and construction of a drive-thru coffee shop with parking, EV charging and landscaping.

“Application Reference: ERE/038690 Demolition Of Existing Structures, Erection Of A Drive Thru Coffee Shop, EV Charging, Vehicle Car Parking And Associated Development at Police Station, Midland Street, Long Eaton, Derbyshire, NG10 1NY Proposals Planning Permission is sought for the demolition of the existing former Long Eaton Police Station. It is proposed that this will be replaced with a ‘drive thru’ restaurant / cafe.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a former police station beside commercial units, a town hall car park, a medical centre and Midland Street, near ASDA.

“The area includes a mix of uses with a large ASDA supermarket sited on the opposite side of Midland Street. There also a telephone exchange sited beyond the medical centre further up Midland Street. The site is noted to be outside of the Conservation Area, designated Town Centre and the Primary Shopping Area. The site is in Flood Zone 2 (has a greater that 1:1000 per year chance of flooding). Relevant Site History None.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the sequential test was passed and the effects on the town centre, design, heritage, highways and flooding were acceptable.

“The submitted sequential test found now other available sites within or on the edge of Long Eaton Town Centre that could accommodate a drive thru restaurant. On consultation, the Planning Policy team concurred with this finding.”

“Conclusion Whilst it is appreciated that there are significant community concerns regarding the development of the site into a drive-thru for a large international company, the impact on the town centre has been found to be appropriate and the investment is therefore welcomed. The design would have less impact upon the street scene than what is already in situ and the listed building, highway and flood risk impacts have all been found to be acceptable.”

Officer report

What people objected to

Residents and others raised concerns about noise, construction, traffic, parking, litter, pollution, operating hours, local businesses and the need for more coffee shops.

“Policy 2 - The Spatial Strategy Policy 4 - Employment Provision and Economic Development Policy 6 - The Role of Town and Local Centres Policy 10 - Design and enhancing local identity Policy 12 - Local Services and health lifestyles Policy 14 - Managing travel demand Erewash Local Plan Policy EV14 – Protection of Trees and Hedgerows Policy S8 – Food and Drink Establishments Policy S10 – Advertisements Consultation Derbyshire Council Highways Department - Concerns regarding…”

“Concerns regarding Starbucks status. • The site should be used for extra parking for the Health Centre. • Should be used for free parking for the Town Centre. • McDonalds already offer drive thru coffee. • Lack of community benefit. • The Police should open the station again. • Expand the Health Centre. • Increased Litter. • Possibility of pollution. • More coffee shops are not needed.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Three speakers opposed the application, while the agent supported it and highlighted sustainability, parking, jobs and highway advice.

What members debated

Members considered the speakers’ points and proposed an additional condition requiring Sheffield cycle stands.

“Members of the committee considered the points raised by the speakers in addition to the matters covered in the main report and supplementary report and it was moved and seconded that the application should include an additional condition for Sheffield stands to be added onto the application site.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to the report’s conditions and an additional condition requiring Sheffield cycle stands.

“RESOLVED that the application be approved subject to the conditions contained in the report and an additional condition requiring the provision of Sheffield cycle stands.”

Minutes