A new business estate with drive-thru Starbucks and Burger King could be built on a 'gateway site' in Northwich if plans are given the go ahead.

A planning application has been lodged for vacant land off Station Road and Leicester Street formerly occupied by The Car Centre car showroom and Enterprise Rent a Car.

The plans include building three new units for business or industrial use, and re-purposing an existing building into a new unit. There would also be a drive-thru coffee shop and fast food restaurant constructed along with dozens of parking spaces for customers.

A design and access statement submitted on behalf of Alderley Edge-based applicant North West Portfolio Limited, said the units would be suited to small start-up companies and local existing businesses.

It said the existing building which is planned for conversion would probably be occupied by an existing local company which is looking for new premises.

The report said: “It is intended that the proposed drive-thru coffee shop would be occupied by Starbucks and the drive-thru restaurant could be potentially occupied by Burger King.”

A total of 59 car parking spaces are also planned, with 47 car parking spaces off Station Road for the drive-thru units and 12 car parking spaces off Leicester Street for the three business/industrial units.

The parking provision includes six disabled bays, five electric charging bays, two ‘click and collect’ parking spaces, two grill bays and a dedicated ‘order waiting bay’ for the drive-thru coffee shop, and eight cycle spaces.

The report added: “The proposed development has been designed to relate to the surrounding area and the proposed uses would support the council’s aspirations for Northwich.

"The proposals would see significant levels of investment into the area, bringing forward an otherwise vacant gateway site on the edge of Chester Way and the town centre, for the development of a high quality commercial unit.”

The report said the site is in an accessible location for people travelling by foot or bicycle and is also linked to the local bus network.

It added: “The proposed drive-thru coffee shop is located to the front of Station Road to benefit from passing trade at the roundabout of Chester Way with New Warrington Road, Leicester Street and Middlewich Road.

"The two units will create a modern active frontage at this prominent gateway site.”

No date has yet been set for a decision.

The plans can be viewed on the council’s planning portal under the following reference number: 22/03738/FUL.