A proposal for a new Starbucks at an Oldham retail park, which includes a drive-thru service, has been approved.

The new branch of the world-famous chain of coffee houses will be based at Elk Mill Retail Park on Broadway in Royton.

The site for the new Starbucks was previously occupied by a Frankie and Benny's, however, the space has been unused for some time and the structure was described as "tired" and "falling into disrepair" in the planning statement.

In the application report, which recommended that the council approve the proposal, it states there will be some external alterations to the building that are "in accordance with Starbucks national design model".

These changes will help the building function as a coffee shop and will improve the appearance of the building.

Alterations will include changes to the elevations and roof design and re-painting the building.

The Starbucks facility will also have an outdoor seating area, a new shop front and car parking.

The applications report said introducing the Starbucks would have "no impact on the character or appearance of the area or on residential amenity".

On the planning application, it was said that in order to construct a drive-thru lane, a partial demolition of the building would be necessary.

A Noise Impact Assessment, previously submitted by Noise Solution Ltd on behalf of Starbucks, said the coffee-house would not operate outside of the trading hours between 7am and 11pm, meaning deliveries would take place between 6am and 7am.

The building was previously the subject of an application which looked to turn it into a Burger King restaurant with a drive-thru, however, these plans were rejected in December 2021.

The main reason for the rejection of the application was due to worries over the impact it would have on the traffic flow on Broadway. 

However, the planning statement submitted on behalf of Starbucks argued there is a major difference between a fast-food restaurant and a coffee-house in regards to traffic generation and peak times of usage.

The application was approved on behalf of the council on Tuesday.

When contacted, Starbucks replied: "We are always looking for new locations and opportunities to bring the Starbucks Experience to customers in the UK, but at this time we have no updates to share about plans in Oldham."