A decision over plans for a new drive-through coffee shop and fuel station has been delayed following concerns from a nearby businessman.

Proposals have been lodged with Hartlepool Development Corporation (HDC) for the scheme to be built on land – currently grass mounds – next to the exit of Queens Meadow Business Park.

EG on the Move Ltd want to build a new filling station and drive-through unit, which documents show would host a coffee shop.

While they do not state who the occupier will be, drawings indicate the site will be visited by “Starbucks delivery vehicles”.

SAB Business owner Scott Bradwell stands on the boundary of his business and behind him is the plot of land where the proposed service station and coffee shop will be built at Queens Meadow Business Park.

placeholder image — SAB Business owner Scott Bradwell stands on the boundary of his business and behind him is the plot of land where the proposed service station and coffee shop will be built at Queens Meadow Business Park.

The proposals claim the development would create 24 full-time jobs and provide more than 30 parking spaces.

The new fuel station would be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and feature a shop. The proposed hours for the drive-through are 6am until 11pm each day.

The application went before the HDC planning board after three objections were lodged, raising concerns about various issues including traffic.

A report from officers recommended the proposals were approved, but board members voted to defer making a decision to allow for a site visit.

They are also seeking further clarifications after hearing from one of the objectors.

Scott Bradwell, managing director at tool hire company SAB Supply Ltd, who have a base next to the site, said the boundary of the new development would be just 1.5metres away from them.

He added: “I’m a passionate man for the town, but this decision, if it goes through, hasn’t got the interest of Hartlepool at heart.

“In a time where we’re supposed to be going green, why are we allowed to remove grass mounds to dig petrol tanks into the ground?

“What does this actually offer to our town? There’s two other Starbucks drive-throughs within a couple of miles.”

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Bradwell said the delay to allow a site visit was “the best possible outcome” in the circumstances.

A planning agent speaking on behalf of the applicant said: “The project will support the existing future of the business park, with a motorist-orientated complimentary facility.

“The applicant is prepared to make a significant investment on the basis they are identifying a need for their services, and they expect this to be economically viable for the long term.”