Starbucks Construction to Proceed After Objection Withdrawn

Construction of a new Starbucks outlet can now commence, following the withdrawal of an objection to its development plans. Somerset Council had previously approved the drive-through coffee shop, situated within the Oaktree Business Park in Highbridge, during October. Nevertheless, National Highways had lodged a ‘holding objection’ against the proposals, citing worries regarding potential effects on the adjacent Edithmead roundabout. The agency subsequently retracted its objection after traffic modelling outcomes demonstrated that the development would not exacerbate current local congestion. Construction work for the Starbucks, positioned off the A38 Bristol Road, is now cleared to start in the new year. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that if the highways agency had maintained its complaint, the coffee shop, slated for construction adjacent to the current Howdens store, would have necessitated a conclusive determination from central government.