A major coffee chain near Bicester has been given approval to build a drive thru and associated parking changes despite concerns from a parish council.

As part of the proposed development, the Starbucks on the A34 by Weston on the Green, near Bicester, will see a minor extension to the southern elevation of the building to allow for a drive-thru window.

Additionally, the car park will be reconfigured to locate an order point to the southwest elevation of the building and to create a drive-thru lane allowing for cars to queue.

The works will require the removal of one tree and the partial removal of one ornamental hedgerow.

The proposals were subject to a pre-application enquiry submitted on August 30, 2022, with written feedback received on October 4, 2022.

The feedback confirmed that, given there will be no significant changes made to the building, the proposal is unlikely to represent inappropriate development in the greenbelt.

Further, the highways team outlined numerous suggested car park layout changes which have been considered by the proposed development’s architects and transport consultants.

The highways team also stated that suitable access arrangements would need to be agreed with National Highways.

Notably, concerns were raised that the development might involve loss of mature trees which would negatively impact the screening of the site.

At the time of the application, a spokesperson for Weston on the Green Parish Council said: “The addition of this drive through facility raises some concerns from the Weston on the Green Parish Council as to whether it is consistent with the Cherwell Local Plan 2011-2031, which states that development should not incur detriment to the highway network or the appearance and character of the landscape and environment and will not give rise to excessive or inappropriate traffic.”

A visitor reviewing the Starbucks on Tripadvisor said: “I called in for coffee and a toastie. No mugs for our drinks, no plates to eat off of.

“Only two girls serving, totally pulled out. Tables not cleared off or wiped down. At the prices you charge Starbucks, you really should be getting the basics right.”

Another coffee drinker said: “We had a good time nursing two rounds each of Espresso Machiato and Americano. For the refill, I needed it to be decaffeinated.

“The coffee was good and was washed down a delicious blueberry muffin. Thus, we were reinforced with antioxidants because decaf coffee also contains antioxidants, just like regular coffee.”

A third guest said: “Excellent experience, tasty food, perfect coffee, most amazing staff, very helpful and attentive. Very spacious and clean.”

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1