A WINCHESTER preservation group has objected to plans to convert part of the Homebase car park into a Greggs drive-thru.
The City of Winchester Trust says the proposal could encourage people to make more car trips.
The application proposes to cut parking spaces from 196 to 152 to accommodate a Greggs restaurant and drive-thru.
The bakery would be able to seat 36 customers and be open from 5.30am-11pm every day.
If approved, the restaurant and drive-thru is expected to create around 20 jobs.
The City of Winchester Trust said: “It is unclear from the application how the reduction in car parking relates to WCC's current parking standards.
“Also, as with the McDonald's/Tesco application (to which the trust objected), how the generation of additional car-borne trips relates to the Winchester Movement and Access Strategy.
“We therefore object on grounds of lack of clarity.”
Another objection was received from a member of the public.
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James Excell, of Moorside Road, said: “The local road infrastructure is not adequate for the traffic at present let alone adding a drive-thru establishment into it.
“The connecting roundabout from the A34 and M3 will create a deeper build up of traffic outside of normal business hours and will hinder and delay HGV movements in and out of our site.
“The traffic build up is a concern regarding our fire department and can they be able to deploy safely and get through the heavily congested areas this will add to.
“The location of the site is on a short road leading off the roundabout, this will create queues leading back to Winchester town.”
On the planning statement, it said: “The proposed Greggs unit has been located as far as possible from the existing Homebase. This ensures as many parking spaces as possible are retained close to the Homebase unit, as well as maintaining frontage visibility to Homebase.
“The proposed building location also offers the best visibility from the roundabout with Easton Lane towards the new unit.
“The proposed drive-thru will provide a valuable local facility. It will cater for the customers and employees of retail units in the area, but also nearby industrial units and car showrooms. The facility will add to the facilities available in Winnall.”
To view the plan online, search 23/00198/FUL on Winchester City Council's planning portal.
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