A drive-thru Starbucks is planned for a retail park close to Bury town centre

A similar application earlier this year by applicant Lion Share Properties Ltd for a coffee shop at the former Mencap unit within the Victoria Retail Park was rejected by planners in Bury due to road safety fears.

Lion Share have now applied again for planning permission at the site, opposite a Lidl supermarket.

A design and access report in support of the plans said: “The refusal reasons primarily related to highways and servicing arrangements.

“The applicant has since revisited the proposals and has employed a qualified transport consultant to design a scheme which would be highways compliant.”

If approved, the drive-thru Starbucks will operate from the currently vacant former Mencap unit which has been empty for a considerable period.

The report said the existing access to the site from Victoria Street will be retained to serve the proposed Starbucks.

The drive-thru lane would operate in a clockwise direction around the existing building.

If approved, building the drive-thru lane would result in four parking spaces at the retail park being lost, leaving 99 spaces.

The report concluded that the scheme would have economic benefits for Bury.

It said: “This statement has justified the merits and acceptability of the proposed conversion of part of the premises into a drive-thru coffee outlet.

“The application proposal would make effective use of the brownfield plot, would provide a good quality coffee shop and drive thru whilst promoting consumer choice and generating employment for local people.

“Permitting the proposal would not result in adverse impacts to the local highway network or on amenity and the scheme will enhance the street scene aesthetically.”

Council planners will decide on the plans in the coming weeks.