NEW COSTA COMING?: Plans for drive-thru store in Ilminster

The proposed site sits on Southfield Enterprise Park (SEP) on land between the roundabout's Station Road and A303 Westbound exits.

Part of the SEP is currently home to South West Motorhomes, with another area earmarked for that business' expansion.

The Costa Coffee will be situated on the corner closest to the roundabout, hoping to catch the eye of traffic on A303 and A358.

Although only one plot of the SEP is currently being used, the site owners hope that the spine road which will come with the Costa will also open up the final two plots for development.

The planning statement said: "The SEP has been promoted for development in the form of local plan allocations for more than 20 years, but a high pressure gas pipeline and a main sewer crossing the site have acted as constraint to development, particularly alongside a healthy supply of ‘competing’ land allocated for development elsewhere in the town.

"The submission demonstrates that Plot 3 represents a sustainable and deliverable development opportunity capable of finally realising the longstanding economic objectives for the SEP; both directly, and indirectly by facilitating the comprehensive redevelopment of the remaining plots.

"Of note, this will enable expansion (Plot 4) of one successful local business on site – South West Motorhomes – and a new venture for another successful local business (Plot 2) – Okee Drive."

"The site is accessed from the main road network by a left-in (from the A303) and left-out to Station Road arrangement via Jordans Road.

"Plot 1 has its own dedicated access from Jordans Road, and there is a further access spur in place to the north of Plot 1 from which the new spine road is proposed."

The planning application added that a pre-application engagement has taken place with SSDC Officers, including a meeting in May 2018, followed by corresponding written advice.

In summary, the advice from SSDC confirmed the following:

• The proposal will generate employment, and support expansion of local businesses on adjoining plots at the SEP;
• A sequential test focussing on Ilminster Town Centre will be required, although it is demonstrated that there are no obvious opportunities for development with or adjoining the town centre;
• Therefore, the proposals accord with policy objectives for the site, if not the strict interpretation of the B Class Use;
• In conjunction with the plentiful supply of alternative B Class allocated sites, the principle of the use is supported, subject to addressing the sequential test;
• Whilst not strictly a policy requirement it would be helpful to explain why the proposals will not have a detrimental impact on health of the town centre, alongside the sequential analysis;
• Subject to clarification regarding anticipated trip generation, the scheme will not give rise to any adverse highway matters;
• The proposals should make a positive contribution to the visual amenity of the site;

The Plot 3 site boundary extends to approximately 0.24 hectares, but the wider red line application site boundary extends to approximately 0.32 hectares.

This is due to the red line boundary including the new spine road required to serve the proposed coffee shop, but also open up plots 2 and 4 for development.

It is proposed that Plot 2 will be developed for a car repair, MOT and car sales facility operated by a local business - Wellington-based firm Okee Drive).

The site has been acquired and it is understood that a planning application is forthcoming.

Plot 4 will be used for expansion of the South West Motorhomes operation.

Costa Coffee and Okee Drive have been contacted for comments.