Totton: Councillors urged to approve drive-thru cafe

District councillors are being recommended to support proposals to transform part of Totton Retail Park by converting an end-of-terrace unit currently occupied by the Jollyes pet food store.

The application, submitted by London Metric Property, has come under fire from Totton and Eling Town Council.

In a letter to New Forest District Council, it welcomes the prospect of new jobs but says the area is already served by similar businesses.

Plan to turn a pet food shop into a drive-thru cafe look set to be approved (Image: Newsquest)

The letter claims the proposed conversion of Jollyes would result in an over-intensive use of the site.

It adds: "The main areas of concern would be the increase in traffic movements and potential traffic queues, the safety of pedestrians accessing the car park, and the potential impact on nearby residents in terms of noise and pollution."

Ten members of the public have lodged similar objections.

A woman living at Mill Road, Totton, says: "This will cause more noise, more traffic on already congested roads, and environmental damage with car engines running."

Another objector claims existing traffic issues in the area will be made worse if the scheme is given the go-ahead.

Jollyes occupies an end-of-terrace unit at Totton Retail Park (Image: Newsquest.)

But a report to district councillors says planned changes to the outside of the building would reduce its "warehouse-type" character.

It adds: "The proposed addition of the drive-thru lane would result in a material change to the character of the site. However, it is proposed to be located on an existing area of hardstanding that is currently used for servicing and deliveries."

The report says the scheme's potential impact on Totton Retail Park is not enough to warrant refusal of the application.

"The site comprises a busy area with multiple traffic movements in and out of the car park as well as service deliveries.

"The revised parking arrangement, with a one-way system, is considered to be a safer arrangement, and the net loss of five spaces is considered to be acceptable.

"It is not considered that the proposed development would be likely to result in queuing back onto the parking area."

The application is due to be discussed at a meeting of the council's planning and development control committee on Wednesday.

 The name of the company that will run the proposed new drive-thru has not been revealed.