Plans for a new 24-hour Starbucks drive-thru at a retail park – which will become a town’s fifth branch of the chain – have been given the go-ahead despite fears over loss of parking spaces.
Initially the coffee giant’s application to open at Ashford Retail Park was turned down by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) amid concerns about overspill parking on surrounding roads.
The planning inspectorate approved plans for a new Starbucks drive-thru at Ashford Retail Park in Sevington. The site is also home to a Dunelm, TK Maxx and Costa Coffee
But the authority’s decision has now been overturned by the planning inspectorate following an appeal, clearing the way for Starbucks to go ahead with the new venture.
It will be built next to The Food Warehouse at the shopping complex in Sevington, which is also home to Dunelm, TK Maxx, Dreams, a Costa Coffee and more.
ABC threw out the plans in May 2024, fearing the loss of 43 parking bays in the 535-space car park, which can become full at weekends.
Members also feared it would lead to additional on-street parking in the surrounding area, resulting in highway safety concerns and inconvenience for other road users.
The new Starbucks will neighbour The Food Warehouse at the Ashford Retail Park
Previously, Starbucks said it had a “shared spaces agreement” in place with the owners of the retail park, adding the loss of the spaces would “not result in a detrimental impact on existing parking provision”.
Now, the planning inspectorate has overturned ABC’s decision, stating the car park would retain “sufficient capacity” under the proposals.
Parking data showed the maximum occupancy at Ashford Retail Park was 81%, leaving 99 spaces vacant.
The decision notice adds: “On this basis, it is unlikely the proposal would lead to the displacement of parking outside the retail park or cause inconvenience to other road users.
How the Starbucks drive-thru could look in Ashford. Picture: Opfer Logan Architects
“Given the premise of the proposal with a drive-thru element, there is a likelihood that some users would not park at all.
“There is also a strong likelihood users will undertake a combined trip and therefore, would already be parked within the area serving the wider retail park.”
The planning inspectorate added there is also provision for access via sustainable modes of transport, including a proposed cycle shelter and pedestrian crossing.
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The new Starbucks will become the fifth outlet in Ashford, joining those already in the town centre, Designer Outlet, railway station and inside Cineworld.
The company say the new one-storey branch will create 20 jobs.
The plans were first unveiled in January last year but drew objections from shoppers as the out-of-town site is already home to Greggs, Costa and a cafe inside Dunelm.
An ABC spokesperson said: “Planning permission was refused for a proposal for a drive-thru coffee shop based on objections raised by KCC Highways relating to adequate levels of parking provision for both the new unit as well as the existing units at the retail park and concerns that this could lead to additional on-street parking with highway safety impacts.
“However, additional data provided by the appellant during the planning appeal was considered by the Planning Inspector who concluded that such impacts would be unlikely and that planning permission could be granted.”
Starbucks did not comment when approached by KentOnline.