Bid submitted to create third drive-thru restaurant in Boldon – but mystery surrounds which business could join existing McDonald’s and Tim Hortons outlets on site

Earlier this month, plans were lodged to build a single-storey “mixed restaurant and hot food takeaway incorporating a drive-thru facility” in the car park of Asda, in North Road, Boldon Colliery.

The proposed site is near Boldon Leisure Park, which already includes two drive-thru restaurants, housing McDonald’s and Tim Hortons.

According to documents included in the latest application, submitted by Euro Garages Ltd, the new drive-thru businesses would create 40 jobs, with 20 full-time and 20 part-time roles.

However, although a raft of supporting reports have been submitted along with the planning application, no occupier is named for the proposed drive-thru restaurant.

A design and access statement confirms that no alcohol would be sold at the site, with produce being “freshly prepared by hand” and “vegan offerings” also made available.

The site would incorporate a delivery collection point and would offer customers the choice of eating within the restaurant or taking food away.

The submitted design and access statement adds: “The proposed restaurant has been carefully designed to sit comfortably in the existing car park and optimise traffic flow in the existing car park.

“The proposal has been designed in accordance with the planning policy context and with the assistance of various reports provided by external consultants.

“The chosen materials will ensure a high quality result and will only enhance the existing setting and will complement the existing mixed use surroundings”.

The proposed development is expected to lead to the net loss of around 39 car parking bays within the Asda car park.

However, a submitted planning statement notes that the development would not cause any “harmful impacts” in terms of residential amenity and highway safety.

The planning statement adds: “The site lies in an accessible location and can be accessed through a range of means of transport.

“The Asda store benefits from an excess in car parking space, the development of an element of the car park as proposed will have no impact on the day-to-day operation of the supermarket.”

A decision on the scheme is expected to be made once a period of council consultation has concluded.

For more information on the planning application, visit South Tyneside Council’s online planning portal and search reference: ST/0396/22/FUL