Hospitality chain Tim Hortons is favorite to open its first North Staffordshire drive-thru restaurant. Speculation has mounted ever since developers lodged plans to build a drive-thru on Mill Street, in Leek.
It comes as the town does not have a single drive-thru facility – and even McDonald’s has still not opened a branch in the town. But StokeonTrentLive understands that Canadian fast-food giant Tim Hortons is behind the Leek restaurant.
A Tim Hortons spokesman said this week: “At this time we are unable to comment about a site in Leek. We are, though, very happy to keep in touch should this change or we have any news to share with you.”
Tim Hortons first opened in Ontario, Canada, in 1964. It has become renowned for its iconic ‘Timbits’ (doughnut middles) as well as its premium coffee range. It now has almost 60 UK branches, including in Chester and Wolverhampton.
The planning application for the Mill Street site states: “Planning permission has been previously granted at the site to erect 21 affordable apartments. The previous consent has not been implemented. The redevelopment of the site for 21 affordable units is not financially viable.
“The redevelopment of the site for affordable housing will not take place. This will leave an undeveloped gap along a main route to and from the town centre. It is now proposed to develop the land to provide a drive-thru restaurant.”
Access to and from the restaurant will be from Mill Street. The drive-thru hatches will be on the side nearest Wesleyan Court. There will be indoor seating and parking.
The planning statement added: “The building has been designed to follow the modern appearance of other drive-thru restaurants. The proposed use will also create employment opportunities.”
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is expected to rule on the application within weeks.
Got something to say about this story? Join the conversation by clicking on the green comments icon at the top of this page or the picture box
.