Burger King and Starbucks plan for edge of Spalding sparks big debate
Plans for new Starbucks and Burger King drive thrus on the edge have Spalding have sparked a big debate among residents.
The development - for land near Bush Tyres off Fulney Lane North — has been proposed in a planning application to South Holland District Council.
The news has met with a mixed reaction — with many people questioning a need for more establishments of this nature. There are also concerns that an edge of town development will do little to help the town centre.
In a debate on our Facebook page, Julie Grant summed up the views of many readers, posting: “How many more fast food outlets does one town need?!”
Others worried that the proliferation of fast food would be bad for an area that struggles already with a high level of obesity.
Stephen Timewell said: “More fat food, great for the NHS.”
Natalie Emily Wadsworth added: “So KFC, taco bell, Wendy's and now Burger king. Really? Not going to bring trade into town centre though is it?”
Glen Harrison said: “Final nail in the coffin for the town centre.”
Other readers suggested they would prefer alternative outlets in that location.
Nicola Chapman said: “Could we not have a Nandos or something there instead? How many burger joints or coffee shops does one town need?”
Beverley Flaxman-Binns added: “A Pizza Hut would be good.”
Sharon Tarry said: “Maybe instead of fast food or coffee shops, how about more retail shops, Odeon cinema, leisure sports - glo golf, axe throwing etc, similar to Peterborough/Boston. We need to try and attract visitors to Spalding.”
Tim Knight said: “All the meh. Starbucks coffee is foul. BK is... BK. I'd love to see something like V-Ate come here and put us on the map for something vaguely different and good quality. So sad seeing them close. They were good fun.”
Donna Halfteck longed for something more traditional.
She wrote: “Whether we moan and complain, unfortunately it will go ahead. Oh how I long for a restaurant to do basic English food, good sausage and mash, a good roast, shepherd pie . Also very low carb meals, what a revelation that would be, I'd nearly live there. But that, sadly, is just a dream, so we end up with two more drive thrus.”
Others queried why another Starbucks is needed — given that there are existing branches inside Sainsbury’s and off Wardentree Lane in Pinchbeck.
Donna Elston said: “Spalding already has a Starbucks near Morrison's why do we need another?”
Alice Linger added: “Fail to see why another Starbucks is needed. But yes to a Burger King!”
The site is near to the newly-revamped A16/A151 roundabout — but would be accessed from the private road off Fulney Lane North that leads down to Bush Tyres.
Jack Laud said: “How on earth is it all going to fit? Surely they’d be better having traffic enter on the new roundabout, rather than forcing more traffic over the already congested Bush Tyres roundabout?”
Stuart Earth felt it would be a ‘chore’ to get in and out of — but Nigel Campbell said he was pleased that it wouldn’t have a ‘dangerous exit’ such as the one leading from McDonald’s to the A151.
Some welcomed the idea.
Ben Everiss said: “Can’t believe the people moaning about it about healthy eating etc Who is forcing you to stuff yourself with fast food? Sorry but for a treat a Maccies or a Burger King is lovely and seeing as you either have to go to Sutterton or Wyberton or go Lynn or Peterborough I’ll be glad if there’s one closer. Healthy eating is your own choice no ones forcing you.”
Paul Richards added: “BK yes please!”
Richard Ginge Bloy said: “I'm all in favour of it myself, highly doubt I'll use them but good to know they're there just in case.”
Hats off, however, to Ray Agate who lightened the mood with the following comment: “I think these rumours of a Burger King are just whoppers.”
What’s your view? Join the debate by posting your comments below…
