A new branch of coffee chain Caffe Nero is set to open a retail park in Newtownabbey.
A planning statement has been submitted with an application to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for an amendment to previous approval for a single storey drive-through restaurant/cafe.
It confirmed the proposed tenant for the site at Longwood Retail Park will be Caffe Nero. A drive-through building of 261 sqm was approved by the borough council in March 2023.
The planning statement said: “Caffe Nero have determined that this size of building is not necessary and that it would like to substitute the larger building for a reduced size of building extending to 168 sq m,” the planning statement said.
The proposed new building will be 35% smaller in size, it was noted.
Car parking arrangements remain the same and have been approved, and the traffic flow and queuing for the “drive-thru” is unchanged. The “drive-thru” collection window too remains unchanged, the report explained.
The planning statement continued: “Approving and constructing this smaller building means there is even less prospect of any planning issues arising than with the larger building, the proposal being smaller, creates less noise and odour than the approved larger development.
“The Council and Environmental Health accepted that the larger development would not have a significant detrimental impact on the amenity of the nearest residential properties.
“Providing some tables and chairs outside a café is common and does not cause any planning issues. These seats could have been provided in the approved scheme.
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