RESIDENTS in Dorset have voiced their opinions on a new service station being proposed along a busy dual carriageway, which will include a McDonald’s, Starbucks and a Popeyes.
The development, proposed by Goodwin Developments, will be known as Woodbury Park and will be built on undeveloped land behind the Shell garage, adjacent to the roundabout intersection of the A35 and A31 in Bere Regis.
The plans also reveal American chicken restaurant Popeyes, McDonald’s and Starbucks could be available on the 1,115 sqm site and will all be drive-thrus.
A fourth smaller commercial unit is to be built as industrial units.
Storage for 26 bicycles, 10 electric vehicle parking spaces and 127 normal car parking spaces will also be on the site.
Nearly 200 new jobs could be created within the McDonald’s, Popeye’s and Starbucks restaurants and Goodwin Developments say there are “significant economic and social benefits” to come with the plans.
The Popeyes restaurant will be the first of its kind in Dorset and the south west – with most of its restaurants being within the M25. 35 staff will be employed at the venue.
One resident of Bere Regis called Steven said the proposals could make traffic “very bad” and that the smell from the restaurants will be “horrible for residents.”
He added: “I feel very strongly against this and is not for the residents when this could possibly be developed slightly further along carriageway not on a quite country village doorstep.”
Local resident Teresa added the services could be an “asset to the people travelling on the A35” saying the Shell garage is not enough.
She added: “What is also brilliant it will bring much needed employment to the village for young and older people as lots of people don't drive
“For people who do drive it would save them having to travel to buy food also less use of cars and cost.”
Meanwhile Bloxworth resident Trevor said: “Industrial units might be a good idea but not without serious changes to the road design.
“I very much doubt we need more junk food outlets and the accompanying trash that's lobbed out of car windows everywhere.
“The roundabout is an absolute nightmare; at most times of the day, trying to get out of the garage turning is white-knuckle stuff.”
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