A proposal for a new outlet of the Canadian coffee and doughnut business at the former Frankie and Benny’s restaurant, more recently Monroe’s, was unanimously accepted at a meeting of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Planning Committee on Thursday morning.
The proposal incorporates renovations to the existing business to construct a “drive-thru” cafe with an outdoor seating area and was assessed by planners to be “appropriate to the site in terms of design and appearance”.
There was one letter of complaint, from the Costa Coffee brand, which runs a shop on the site at Larne Road Link. A report to the Planning Committee indicated that objections cited included the introduction of a second drive-through café which might “change the dynamic” of the location to a “car-focused development” and lead to car “stacking”, the report claimed. It was also mentioned in the report that the proposal might have an impact on the “amenity of sit-down users at Costa Coffee from increased noise, fumes and visual amenity” and so could “present a danger to Costa Coffee users navigating the carpark on foot”.
There were no issues from Transport NI in terms of road safety or access arrangements. Planners found that the application was regarded to be “acceptable” saying that it is “in keeping with the adjacent land uses and as such will give rise to vehicle movement, noise and fumes”. The report added: “These are all typical of the area and are not felt to be excessive.”
Martin Kelly, of Gravis Planning, told the committee that the development was “in keeping with the general character of the area” and it would be reached by the existing access and on-site parking. He claimed that it is a “very positive development for Ballymena” which will bring “significant investment and job creation”.
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