PLANS for three drive-thru restaurants and another eatery – which could house McDonald’s, Popeyes and Starbucks – on the A35 near Bere Regis are being considered.
The scheme, by Godwin Developments on behalf of landowners Peter Stephen Dove and Elizabeth Brierly, would see a 1.95-hectare site at Woodbury Park, North Street, developed.
The proposals say the development would include three drive-thru restaurants, as well as a drive-to restaurant, car parking and EV charging points.
It is understood tenants could include McDonald’s, Starbucks and Popeyes.
“The individual units are designed with the operators’ branding and recognisable design language which will be familiar and bring immediate commerce to the area upon opening,” the application said.
An artist impression showing a possible McDonald’s on the site near Bere Regis. Picture: Godwin Developments/Dorset Council
Excavation work would have to take place on the site, due to a large slope, the plan says, although existing perimeter trees and shrubs would be maintained.
“The existing site has been allocated as a site suitable for commercial development within the Neighbourhood Plan and is currently vacant grazing land,” the application went on.
“McDonald’s sits at the northern edge of the site, located nearer to the Townsend roundabout, providing instant recognition and attractive signposting for the site,” it adds.
Walking around the site would be “well served”, the plan details, with “safe pedestrian crossing points between operators”.
The plan says pedestrian crossings would make the development safe for walkers. Picture: Godwin Developments/Dorset Council
Access to the site would be from North Street, “near to the A35/A31 roundabout”.
“A valuable opportunity to the site location is the immediate access to the A35/A31 roundabout which provides connection to Dorchester and Southampton respectively,” the plan outlines.
“Alongside this, an adjacent petrol station and nearby industrial units all contribute to encouraging a high volume of existing passing traffic.”
The scheme is being considered by Dorset Council planners. For more details, log on to www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and search for planning application reference P/FUL/2022/04027.
An overview of the proposed site at Bere Regis. Picture: Godwin Developments/Dorset Council
Could you please amend the article to reflect that the site is not ‘near’ Bere Regis it is IN Bere Regis and the site is both industrial and residential.