PLANS to build a new Costa coffee shop on the edge of a retail park in Heckmondwike look set to be approved next week.

The scheme is at the Northgate Retail Park, which houses 10 units, including a Lidl supermarket and a drive-through McDonald’s.

A planning document states that Costa is hoping to build on a rectangular grassed area of land near the entrance to the retail park’s car park, off Albion Street, that was originally intended to be developed when the retail park was built.

Ward councillor Steve Hall (Lab, Heckmondwike) said he welcomed the plans but had some concerns.

“While I welcome the application – having a big name like Costa Coffee coming to Heckmondwike is good news – I am concerned about traffic.

“The junction of Albion Street and Jeremy Lane regularly comes to a standstill due to the entrance/exit into the retail park.

“What would work is one road in and another road out, but I am doubtful of that happening.”

The proposals include parking for 25 cars, but parking will be also be available within the remainder of the retail park’s car park for customers.

The building will accommodate around 100 covers and will be of a contemporary design. There will also be an external seating area.

Planners state that while Costa intends to open from 5am to 10pm daily, environmental health have concerns about noise issues for nearby residents and have requested a condition be attached to any approval that the coffee shop can only operate between 7am and 8pm.

A report to the Heavy Woollen planning sub-committee states: “The nature and scale of the proposed development would not result in any significant detriment to the visual or residential amenities of nearby residential properties or to the wider street scene.

“With regard to highway safety considerations, this has been carefully assessed and officers are of the opinion that the proposals would not lead to significant undue highway safety implications.”

“Furthermore it is anticipated that the proposal would generate 15 full-time jobs.”

Outline planning permission was granted in 2001 for a food retail outlet or restaurant on the site.

But a subsequent full application was refused because the parking arrangements would have required cards to either reverse into or out of the spaces directly onto the main access to the car park.

The meeting takes place on Thursday, January 25.