Skelmersdale could be the site of a new Starbucks drive-thru, if plans submitted to the borough council are given the green light.
An application made to West Lancashire Borough Council's planning committee shows plans to construct a new restaurant and car park on Railway Road, near the Railway Tavern pub, which Starbucks confirmed yesterday to be a forthcoming outlet for the world's largest chain of coffee shops.
"On the face of it, this looks quite exciting. The concept of drive-thru Starbucks is only a recent development in the UK. The first one opened in Cardiff in May last year, and received a lot of publicity," said Skelmersdale resident David Sudworth.
"I really hope that Starbucks opens up in Skelmersdale - it will give our town a real boost, not just in the caffeine sense, but also economically. And I am sure that once one big name comes, the rest will soon follow."
The planning application has been submitted by Darwen-based firm Euro Garages, who describe the proposal as a restaurant employing up to five full-time and five part-time members of staff, along with parking spaces for up to 20 cars, but does not state under what name the business would trade.
Officially the Starbucks plans have been denied by the coffee shop chain, although it did confirm it was working with Euro Garages on future stores.
"We're working with Euro Garages to bring Starbucks to communities across the UK. However we don't have any plans for Skelmersdale at this time," said a spokersperson for Starbucks.
However a series of drawings attached to the application prominently display the Starbucks logo on the sides of plans for the building, fuelling speculation that the firm is planning to open one of its new drive-thrus in the town.
A statement submitted with the application reads:
"The design stratergy of the building is to provide a high quality, robust prouct combining finish, structure, and building dynamics capable of providing a space for enjoyment, relaxation and rest, whilst withstanding the rigours of high public use."
Starbucks already has a number of stores in the North West, including Southport, Liverpool, and Preston, but currently has no drive-thru stores in the region.
The council's planning committee is expected to discuss the application before the end of 2009.
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