Plans approved for Starbucks drive through next to Southport Pier

Plans have been approved to build a Starbucks drive through next to Southport Pier on the Ocean Plaza creating 20 jobs.

The planning officer said...

“The addition of a single-storey flat roof building to this existing hard landscaped area of open air car parking would not be detrimental to the historic and landscape character of the Seafront, as it would be viewed as a grouping of similarly proportioned development with the buildings on the opposite side of Marine Parade.

“The proposed development would not harm the function of the area as a regionally important centre for tourism. While there will be a loss of public car parking spaces (as those to be provided may be linked or otherwise limited to use by customers) this does not undermine the tourist function of the area as a whole.” 

“Adjacent to the site runs the Grade II Listed pier, which also lies within the designated Promenade Conservation Area.

“The proposed building is of a modest single-storey height with a flat roof. While it will introduce above ground development the footprint, scale and appearance will not detract from the setting of the pier, particularly as the pier extends beyond this site.

“The scale ensures that the proposal does not compete with nor try to limit views to the pier, which is aided by the use of a flat rather than pitched or curved roof as seen nearby.”