Costa Coffee plans for Hartlepool drive-thru not to everyone's taste

At the Costa drive-through site, from left, Stewart Smith, asset manager with M Seven, Richard Dunn, project manager for Bilton and Johnson, Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, Councillor Stephen Akers-Belcher and Damien Wilson, Hartlepool Councils assistant director (regeneration).

Planning permission for the new drive-through outlet has been granted at the Vision Retail Park, formerly Highlight Retail Park, off Marina Way.

Owners M Seven real estate company is refurbishing the 65,000 sq ft retail units, upgrading the terrace frontage and landscaping and improving the car park.

People have had their say on the plans on the Mail’s Facebook page.

Jay Smith said: “Good for the economy. Not so good for your health!”

Ian Reay wrote: “Need one in the shopping centre.”

Kaye Tupling stated: “Encouraging people to drink a hot cuppa while they driving? Great sense!”

Mandy Gough said: “Really???? I can think of much better things to bring to the town which would benefit Hartlepool haha I tell ya it’s laughable.”

Susan Pattison commented: “Think we need this like a hole in the head.”

Peter Twidale stated: “If this town got granted a billion pounds to spend on what they wanted, people on here would still complain about something.

“Be happy man, would you rather see somewhere derelict or a place creating revenue for the town and creating more jobs?”

Gina Costin said: “Well I am happy I love Costa Coffee.”

Stacey Richardson stated: “It should’ve been a Starbucks.”

Lee Summerson wrote: “Bring it! I love Costa.”

Leigh Karakosta Flounders said: “Hope it doesn’t effect the coffee shops, especially on the marina.” Natasha Jackson said: “Bout time. Love Costa.”

Patrick Casey said: “They should ban all businesses from investing in the town as clearly we have enough.

“I can’t believe we have three supermarkets, three.”

Sue Chapman commented: “It’s about time we had a decent coffee place in Hartlepool, can only be good for the town, only complaint it should have been a sit-in one.”

John Reed stated: “Well they wanted a cafe culture town ... but I think they don’t realise what that is.”

Sarah Church-Ward wrote: “It’s about time.”

Jade Williams said: “As much as I like to support small/large family businesses, I think this is a massive thing for Hartlepool.”

Angella Shaw said: “A decent skinny Latté in town. Finally.”