Fresh plans lodged for refused roadside services scheme

New plans have been lodged for a previously refused scheme in Newcastle, which includes a fuel filling station and drive-thru unit.Brookfield Property (Holdings) Ltd is seeking permission for the development, which also includes electric vehicle charging facilities, on land south of Rotary Way.The 3.2-acre site is currently an agricultural field which is bounded by hedgerows, and is south of existing roadside services including Costa Coffee, McDonald’s and an Ice Cream Emporium.Previously, the plans had included two drive-thru units, but they were refused at a Planning Committee meeting in January 2023.A planning statement said that the resubmission “has been amended to reflect discussions with council officers, to address the previous grounds for refusal”.Changes include a reduced number of units and a smaller floorspace, alongside the reorientated fuel filling station and more green open space.Once operational, the scheme could generate 23 jobs, while providing 69 parking bays and 15 electric vehicle charging bays.The statement added that the unit will be occupied by a national brand or operator which has “established drive-thru formats” and is “experienced in providing these in roadside locations without detriment to their surrounding areas”.Newcastle City Council will review the new plans in due course.