AN APPEAL against the rejection of planning permission for two drive-through fast food restaurants on the outskirts of Coleford has failed, after the inspector leading it decided developers had not made enough effort to find sites closer to the town centre.

Plans are to be considered for a drive-thru KFC in Coleford
Plans are to be considered for a drive-thru KFC in Coleford (KFC)

Developers NNA lodged the appeal after the Forest Council refused planning permission for KFC and Greggs restaurants on a site near the Lucozade Suntory factory between Perrygrove Road and Tufthorn Avenue.

The factory at Coleford
The land is near the Lucozade Suntory site (Suntory)

The council also refused permission for a revised scheme.

The council rejected the plan on four grounds: the suitability of the site, the effect on protected species and two related appropriate provisions for pedestrians and the conflict between motorists, cyclists and those on foot on the site.

Greggs
Greggs (.)

The traffic and ecology concerns had been addressed which meant the appeal hinged on whether or not the site was suitable.

National planning policy says “out-of-town” sites should be given permission only if there are no suitable locations in town centres or the edge of main shopping areas.

Mr Plenty said that although the site was within the settlement limits of Coleford, the steep and narrow walk from the town centre meant it was not an “edge of centre” location.

The inspector said the developers had failed to consider sites they considered too small which could might have been suitable for separate restaurants.

They included Lawnstone House and Lords Hill in the town centre.

Mr Plenty concluded: “Having failed to demonstrate the scheme could be accommodated on an available site within the town, or its edge, the proposal fails the sequential test.

“As such, the proposal would harm the vitality of the town centre.”

Plans for the food outlets were originally rejected in 2022 before resubmitted proposals were also turned down earlier this year.

The land is currently vacant and has been allocated for development for employment.

Coleford Town Council objected to the scheme, saying it was outside the town centre, and with up to 300 lorries a day entering and leaving the drinks factory, there were fears for pedestrians’ safety on an acute bend where HGVs had clipped a bank.