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Plans for a new Starbucks drive-thru with high-speed electric vehicle charging points is on hold after councillors in Rhondda Cynon Taf deferred a final decision.

An application to build on land next to Caerphilly’s Castle View housing estate has been submitted to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.

The proposed site is opposite HBH Land Rovers on the A469, near Penrhos roundabout. It is right on the border between Caerphilly County Borough and Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT).

While the site is entirely within the RCT boundary, access from the A469 Mountain Road is within Caerphilly County Borough.

The proposed cafe would have 35 parking spaces, of which 12 would be for electric vehicles – with six high-speed charging points.

Two of the 12 charging spaces would be disabled bays, with two further disabled bays for standard vehicles.

According to details submitted by the applicant, the ultra-fast charging points would be able to charge vehicle battery from 0% to 80% in 20 minutes.

The plans also include bike stands and a loading bay.

The proposed coffee shop would be a franchise run by the Magic Bean Company, with ten full-time jobs and ten part-time jobs to be created, according to the applicant’s agent.

The plans were discussed by RCT Council’s planning committee on Thursday February 13, where councillors opted to ask officials to come up with reasons for refusal – despite a recommendation from RCT council officers to approve.

There have been 77 letters of objection from 64 residents and one letter of support for the application.
Some of the objections centred around whether or not the development is needed, as well its character and appearance.

Others concerns questioned the impact on air quality, health risks, ecology, and drainage.

In their report, officers said: “Whilst there is concern with regards to the unsustainable location of the site, in that it is located outside of the defined settlement boundary, the provision of an EV charging hub would be of significant benefit to residents of both RCT and Caerphilly as well as any person travelling through the area.”

Officers highlighted how the electric charging points would “go some way” towards helping RCT Council achieve its “commitment to becoming a carbon-neutral local authority by 2030”.

They added: “It is noted that the application has attracted a large number of objections from local residents in Caerphilly and these are duly noted; however, it is not considered that the development would have such a significant impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding special landscape area or upon the amenity and privacy of the nearest neighbouring properties that it would warrant the refusal of the application.

“Furthermore the development has not raised any objection from either RCT’s highways and transportation section or the equivalent at Caerphilly County Borough Council.

“Having weighed up all of the relevant issues in this report it is considered that, on balance, the application is acceptable.”