Drive-thru set for overgrown grassland site

Plans for a new drive-thru, which is set to be built on an overgrown grassland site in Leicestershire, have been submitted.

A planning application, submitted to Harborough District Council by Manor Oak Homes, set out plans to build the drive-thru and a food convenience store on land west of Warwick Road in Kibworth Beauchamp.

Council documents state the area has been the subject of "significant housing growth".

This includes more than 1,000 homes built in the area over the last 20 years, and a further 475 homes are included in the emerging Local Plan.

Plans note the 1.27 hectare (3.1 acre) site previously had outline planning permission for "a mixture of commercial and industrial uses, office and retail use".

Alongside the drive-thru and convenience store, there are plans for new vehicle and pedestrian access from Warwick Road, a footpath connection at the north-east corner of the site, on-site parking and servicing space, and provision for up to 12 electric vehicle charging and disabled spaces.

Plans note four comments were received which indicated a need for the proposed facilities, although the comments also raised concerns about the potential for anti-social behaviour and requested measures that would mitigate this.

Concerns around an increase in traffic were also brought up.

Manor Oak Homes have not confirmed which brand would ocupy the drive through.

A spokesperson said: "Discussions with developers and operators have informed the current proposal, and we anticipate contracting with the relevant parties shortly after planning consent is obtained, if Harborough District Council are minded to approve the scheme."

A target decision date has been set by the local authority for 15 May.

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