Plans had been submitted to Hartlepool Development Corporation (HDC) for the scheme to be built on land, which is currently grass mounds, next to the exit of Queens Meadow Business Park.
The proposals from EG on the Move Ltd comprise a new petrol filling station and a drive-through unit, which documents indicate would house a coffee shop.
While the plans stop short of naming the occupier, drawings suggest the site would be served by “Starbucks delivery vehicles”.
The application was brought before the HDC planning board following three objections citing concerns including traffic issues – with officers’ reports recommending approval of the proposals.
However, board members voted to defer the decision to allow for a site visit and further clarification, after hearing from one of the objectors.
Scott Bradwell, Managing Director of tool hire company SAB Supply Ltd, which operates from a base neighbouring the site, stated that the boundary of the proposed development would sit just 1.5metres from their premises.
He added: “I’m a passionate man for the town, but this decision, if it goes through, hasn’t got the interest of Hartlepool at heart,” reported the Local Democracy Reporting Service. “In a time where we’re supposed to be going green, why are we allowed to remove grass mounds to dig petrol tanks into the ground? What does this actually offer to our town? There’s two other Starbucks drive-throughs within a couple of miles.”
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Bradwell described the delay to permit a site visit as “the best possible outcome” given the circumstances.
The development is expected to create 24 full-time jobs and provide in excess of 30 parking spaces.
