Plans for a Starbucks drive-through on Broad Street in Leek are recommended for approval, despite objections over congestion and the potential impact on independent cafés.
What’s new: Planning officers have recommended approval for a proposed Starbucks drive-through on vacant land off Broad Street in Leek.
By the numbers: The application has attracted 10 objections and 12 letters of support, while the development would include 18 parking spaces.
Why it matters: Objectors have raised concerns about congestion and competition for independent cafés, while supporters say the scheme would bring a long-vacant brownfield site back into use.
This article is based on reporting from the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), a BBC funded initiative set up to strengthen reporting on local democratic issues. The Staffordshire Signal has taken part in the scheme since September 2026, which means we're able to draw on a selection of LDRS stories alongside our own.
Plans for a drive-through coffee shop are set to be approved – despite concerns over traffic.
Thistlewood Properties has submitted proposals for a Starbucks drive-through on vacant land off Broad Street in Leek, near the junction with St Edward Street.
The application has divided members of the public, with 10 submitting objections and 12 writing in support of the plans.
Supporters say the scheme will bring back into use an eyesore brownfield site, which has been vacant since 2003 despite numerous plans coming forward over the years.
But objectors have raised concerns that the drive-through will worsen traffic congestion on Broad Street, at a location close to a major junction.
There are also fears the Starbucks will take trade away from Leek town centre’s independent cafés.
Planning officers at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council have recommended the application for approval, with councillors set to make a decision this week.
The report to the committee states: “This site has stood unused for 23 years and development applications that have been approved have, for whatever reason, not been taken forward. In this proposal, wide ranging issues have been identified and amendments agreed.
“Conditions can be attached to manage and control impacts as discussed in the report. The long disused state of the land must not be a reason to approve just anything but here, with the amendments that have been negotiated, is a suitably designed development that will bring economic benefits from the construction and on-going employment.”
The development will feature a single-storey building set back from Broad Street, with a drive-through lane running around the back and 18 parking spaces at the front.
Objectors raise fears that during busy periods, the queue of cars could back up onto Broad Street, adding to the existing congestions issues.
They also point out that a drive-through will be dependent on the private car, which they say would conflict with planning policies aimed at promoting sustainability.
This article has been provided by The Staffordshire Signal. Click below to find more local news.
More from News from The Staffordshire Signal
-
M&S begins recruitment for new Lichfield fashion distribution hub
More than 70 roles are now open as M&S prepares to launch its new 437,000 sq ft automated distribution centre in Lichfield, which is expected to create 600 jobs in total.
-
The Staffordshire Signal Weekly: Martin Murray steps down as county council leader, a £40m bid to save Chetwynd Bridge, and Castle Classics moves to November
Martin Murray resigns as leader of Staffordshire County Council, councillors back a £40m bid to replace a 202-year-old bridge, and two YouTube food reviewers rave about Sunday lunch in Uttoxeter. This week in The Staffordshire Signal Weekly.
-
MP's Voice: Respect Orders must make a real difference in Newcastle-under-Lyme
In this month's MP's Voice column for The Staffordshire Signal, Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Adam Jogee reflects on the Policing & Crime Minister’s visit to the town and the introduction of new Respect Orders aimed at tackling persistent anti-social behaviour.
-
Residents urged to choose fireworks wisely this bonfire season
Staffordshire Trading Standards is urging residents to buy fireworks only from authorised retailers, warning that products sold through social media and unofficial sellers could pose serious safety risks.
-
Martin Murray resigns as Staffordshire County Council leader as Hayley Coles takes over
Martin Murray has resigned as Leader of Staffordshire County Council, with Hayley Coles taking over following the third Reform UK leadership departure in less than a year.
