CONCERNS have been raised about additional traffic being attracted to a proposed Starbucks on the outskirts of Dunbar.
The coffee shop giant could open a drive-thru restaurant near the town’s Asda and McDonald’s as part of the DunBear Park development.
Proposals were submitted to East Lothian Council by Mungo Park Ltd in January.
Dunbar Community Council is asked for its views on a variety of planning applications and has opted to object to both the plans for the building and a separate application for signs.
Jacquie Bell, the group’s secretary, outlined the concerns in a letter to the council’s planning department.
She said: “Dunbar Community Council do note that the facility may offer some employment opportunities.
“However, we have concerns about the implications for the sustainability and safety of road infrastructure in the area.
“There are major ongoing concerns about access to the area from Spott Road.
“This situation must be resolved prior to any granting of application for a Starbucks drive-thru.
“Pedestrian access from Spott Road is dangerous. There is no pavement. The signage and line marking at Spott Road roundabout is poor. This has been raised at many meetings of the A1 Action Group.
“Representations have been made to Dunbar Community Council and passed on to East Lothian Council from members of the public noting that travellers get lost and make dangerous movements at the entrance of Brodie Road.
“Any suggestion that there should be traffic lights at the area close to Asda is opposed.
“There is concern that lights would lead to a back-up of traffic on the A1 and also on Spott Road, making it difficult to get out of Brodie Road at busy times.”
Concerns have also been raised about signs proposed for the site, north of the A1.
Complaints about the signs, which include the Starbucks logo, included the potential for light pollution, as well as distracting drivers.
Mrs Bell’s letter reads: “Dunbar Community Council are concerned that the size and scale of the advertising signage proposed may be distracting to drivers, particularly those travelling towards Edinburgh.
“The use of American spelling i.e. drive thru may also be distracting.
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“The Spott Road roundabout is poorly marked and drivers may get into the wrong lane.”
The proposed coffee shop is one of a number of sites being eyed up at the large development, which is already home to Andy Scott’s DunBear sculpture. Last year, Lidl and B&M confirmed they hoped to open there, potentially creating 80 jobs.
The masterplan for the site shows space for another drive-thru restaurant and land earmarked for further retail units, as well as space for an extension to Dunbar Garden Centre.
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