Former Wisbech nursery to be warehousing site with its own Starbucks coffee shop
A former nursery which is now largely 'scrub land' is set for a new lease of life as a warehousing and storage facility that also includes a drive-thru Starbucks.
Not only that it will create up to 15 full-time equivalent jobs for the local community after Fenland planners approved an application from Carl Homerstone of London-based U A Asset Management 2 Ltd for a change of use for the former Parkside Nursery site off Cromwell Road in Wisbech.
The application was supported by a number of documents including a design and access statement drawn up by Hulme Upright Architects.
It explains the applicant had two lots of advice from Fenland planning officers before submitting the proposal for the 2.98 acre site.
A new access will be created off New Bridge Lane and the site’s current entrance off Cromwell Road closed.
Because the north side of the site is fairly level and also adjoins an existing dormer bungalow the drive-thru cafe will be located there. It will be a single-storey unit and will include some sitting outside and parking for up 24 cars including disabled spaces and two electric vehicle charging points which will serve both those working on the site and nearby but also passing trade.
There will be two larger storage units built on the south side, these will provide self-storage and B8 warehousing (that means it can include open air storage) and will include a service yard which will be screened from Cromwell Road by retaining existing trees and the Starbucks building.
There will be separate parking for the storage units, which a planning officer’s report said is at a higher level than required.
The Starbucks building, says the statement will be easily identified as belonging to the coffee chain.
The planning officer's report concluded: “The proposal will enable the introduction of new business without detriment to the character of the area or amenity. The development is therefore considered to satisfy the requirements of the necessary policies of the Fenland Local Plan.”
