Plans to build two new drive-thrus in Barrack Road, Christchurch

The proposals include building the two restaurants on empty land on the ‘advertising corner’ at Jumpers Roundabout in Barrack Road. 

Applicant Fortitudo plans would provide on-site parking, access via Barrack Road and an exit route onto The Grove. 

Both proposed drive-thru lanes are of a “substantial length to mitigate the risk of overspill” into Barrack Road, the application states.

The plan comes after the developer saw two previous housing schemes for the site rejected by BCP Council.

Read more: WATCH: Motorist receives a speeding ticket in Barrack Road driving under the limit

The plans in 'advertising corner' (Image: Fortitudo)

In a planning statement, Fortitudo said: “The proposal represents a rare opportunity to bring forward a beneficial regeneration opportunity within Christchurch’s commercial heartland, delivering a significant increase in job opportunities compared to the extant use together with two restaurant/drive-thru opportunities to enhance the employee and visitor experience. 

“The application represents a very sustainable form of development, contributing to the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of Christchurch.” 

Read more: Housing plans for Barrack Road in Christchurch refused again

Cars would exit the one-way drive-thru lane in The Grove (Image: Daily Echo)

Fortitudo chief executive Richard Carr said: “The local authority turned down the homes plan twice, so this is the route we’re now taking.

“Simply, we’ve got the land and we’ve got to do something with it. We have actually put back in a residential scheme which hasn’t yet been allocated so there’s two schemes running for that site now.”

Ward councillors Vanessa Ricketts and Margaret Phipps have expressed concerns about the proposed development. 

Cllr Ricketts said: “This development would only add to the already over-congested junction which regularly sees vehicles queueing back towards Iford in rush-hour.  

“This is a gateway site and any development should reflect that. Barrack Road is already one of the most congested roads in the conurbation.”

Cllr Phipps added: “This application for not one but two drive-through takeaways is excessive and completely inappropriate on this plot which currently has a green open frontage.

Cllr Margaret Phipps

“The potential disruption to nearby residents from additional traffic noise and litter is obvious I urge Christchurch residents to give their views through the consultation.” 

As it stands, the site is grassland with advertising billboards along the back. 

Fortitudo has previously had applications to construct 35 flats and four dwellings, and 51 flats and four houses rejected by the local authority.

Concerns of overdevelopment and flood risk were cited as reasons for refusal, with planners saying that because the site is in a medium-risk flood zone, it was likely to become high risk in the future.