A COFFEE shop with a drive-through takeaway, believed to be a Starbucks, could be built next to Fisherrow Service Station in Musselburgh, creating more than 10 jobs.

The Motor Fuel Group has applied to East Lothian Council for planning consent for the outlet on land to the west of the existing Shell petrol filling station on Edinburgh Road. Tony Thomas, agent for the company, said: “It is an underused, scruffy site, frequently littered with uncollected dog mess.

“We would like to use the site to introduce a modern, attractive drive-through takeaway coffee franchise with linked landscape and access proposals. This includes the creation of an attractive landscaped garden in the north east corner of the site looking to link the site to the historic Fisherrow Harbour.”

He added that the drive-through would offer people the chance to take away hot and cold drinks and hot and cold snacks, and there would be seating for customers in the coffee shop.

A planning design and access statement, submitted on behalf of the company, stated: “The restaurant will be designed with on-site and drive-through facilities for vehicles, cycles and pedestrian access, with internal and external areas to enjoy refreshment for the passing traveller, as well as for the local community in the Fisherrow Harbour locality.”

Also planned is parking, new service lanes and a new landscape plan for the site.

The statement added: “In terms of local economic benefit it is expected that the project will support a number of additional local part time jobs at the site when operational and there will also be additional employees on site during construction.

“The proposed drive-through coffee shop is intended to supplement the existing petrol filling station’s function to serve the needs of passing motorists whilst providing useful services to the residential and commercial communities in and around Musselburgh, contributing positively to the site’s public realm offer.

“The proposed development will create a place which is welcoming and distinctive by virtue of its design. It will be safe and pleasant ensuring ease of movement for vehicles and pedestrians to enter/exit the site and move around the site in a clear and legible manner.

“Dropped kerbs will allow safe movement of pedestrians between uses on-site, while road marking and signage within the site will indicate direction of travel and facilities. The site is adaptable in that it is linked to the wider area by road and footpath links, with parking provided to suit a range of users.

“The drive-through facility will be accessed via a dedicated, signposted route which runs to the rear of the building and exits back onto the main exit route from the parking area. This enables customers to continue their journey or park up in the car park before exiting the site via normal channels.”

The coffee shop/drive-through, which will have 23 parking bays including two for disabled motorists, will operate 365 days a year between 6am to 11pm.

Five cycle stands will be provided which will be located to the front of the new building in association with the retained trees in that location. There would be earth embankment and tree planting carried out, with benches provided for public amenity.