Blackpool restaurant bulldozed to make way for Costa Coffee drive-thru

Town hall planners have approved an application for the redevelopment of the site on Cornelian Way, just off Preston New Road in Marton.

Work had already begun prior to the scheme being granted permission, to demolish the former Pizza Hut which closed last year.

Construction of a single storey food retail unit including drive- thru facility, car parking, landscaping, and associated works has now got the go ahead after the plans were approved using delegated powers.

Approval was granted despite two objections from nearby residents who raised concerns about noise, including from vehicles queuing to use the drive-thru, and due to the early opening times. They also warned the scheme would affect the privacy of their homes.

But a planning report said the proposed use of the site was in-keeping with other businesses already operating in the area which include a KFC, MacDonald’s and Sprinkles Desserts.

It said: “Economically the proposal would replace a vacant unit and generate employment both during construction and thereafter during its operation.

“Although the site is outside a designated centre, it is on the periphery of a local centre and so there is potential for some linked trips.

“It would not undermine the existing local centre, despite being immediately adjacent to it. As such, the scheme is considered to be economically sustainable. ”

The new development will be smaller than the former Pizza Hut, with a proposed internal floor area of 205.1sqm, downsized from 332.4sqm.

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