Burger King set to replace former Oldham Starbucks unit

The chain plans to take over the vacant unit, which was previously occupied by Starbucks, at Alexandra Retail Park.

Starbucks closed the site in October 2025 as part of a wider restructuring of its national business model.

Planning permission is being sought to change the use of the drive-thru unit from a coffee shop to a drive-thru restaurant and hot food takeaway, with BKUK Catering, the parent company of Burger King, listed as the applicant.

A planning statement supporting the application said: "This application proposes a change of use from a drive-thru coffee shop (Class E) to a drive-thru hot food takeaway (sui generis)."

"The proposed use is considered entirely acceptable for the site and its commercial setting and will not have a negative impact on surrounding amenity or negatively impact the transport network."

The new restaurant is expected to create up to 29 jobs.

No external alterations to the building have been proposed, and all existing parking, servicing, and access arrangements will remain unchanged.

The statement continued: "The application represents a highly sustainable form of development through the reuse of an existing building, making efficient use of previously developed land whilst strengthening the vitality and attractiveness of the retail park."

A key planning consideration discussed in the planning statement was the site’s proximity to Greenhill Academy Primary School, which lies within walking distance.

National planning policy states that hot food takeaways should be refused if they are within walking distance of schools and not in a designated town centre, or where a concentration of such businesses could harm public health, increase pollution, or encourage anti-social behaviour.

The planning statement stated that the site is not on a route to the school from surrounding residential areas, is screened from view, and is separated by a retaining wall and stairs that would act as a deterrent for young children.

It also pointed out that primary-age pupils are unlikely to visit the takeaway during school hours or without adult supervision.

Recent planning and appeal decisions were cited, confirming that the existing lawful Class E use could already allow the sale of similar food items.

The statement said: "The proposal will therefore deliver a balanced and policy-compliant form of development that supports economic growth whilst raising no unacceptable planning impacts."

The Alexandra Retail Park unit had operated as a Starbucks drive-thru since at least August 2024 but was originally approved for a restaurant use under earlier planning permissions.

The retail park, which includes stores such as Matalan, PureGym, Home Bargains, and The Food Warehouse, has been described as an important retail and leisure destination for more than 30 years.

Planning consultants said the new Burger King would complement the existing retail offering and help generate footfall to the site.

The application sought permission for a flexible Class E and/or hot food takeaway use, allowing the unit to revert to a coffee shop if required in the future.

Burger King’s wider ‘BK for Good’ strategy was referenced in support of the application, highlighting its menu development efforts and focus on calorie reduction targets.

A separate planning application will be submitted for signage and other branding for the new restaurant.