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.
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But highways officers say the scheme is acceptable, subject to conditions such as a requirement for ‘keep clear’ road markings at the access point.
And while the Starbucks will have seven fewer parking spaces than would be expected with a scheme of this size, planning officers believe it is a ‘not unreasonable expectation’ that more customers will arrive on foot.
Supporters of the application say the scheme will create jobs and bring ‘prime land’ back into use. They also argue that the site is far enough away from the main town centre area to not have a negative impact on existing independent businesses.
Planning committee members will consider the application when they meet on Thursday.
Written by Phil Corrigan, Local Democracy Reporter.
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