Proposals for a drive-thru coffee shop have won the backing of planning staff at South Kesteven District Council.

Members of the council's planning committee are due to determine the application next Wednesday (June 10).

Motor Fuel Ltd want to build the drive-thru on the A1 at Toll Bar Service Station, Marston. There would also be parking for 27 cars. Access would be from the existing petrol station on the A1 southbound.

The scheme has been 'called in' by Coun Ian Stokes (Con-Peasecliffe & Ridgeway), meaning councillors on the planning committee, rather than planning officers, will determine the application, due to his concerns about highway safety.

A report by council planning staff says site for the scheme is vacant and next to an existing petrol station, which has planning approval to be demolished and replaced.

But opponents oppose the extra traffic it may bring, they say the existing petrol station is poorly laid out and there is no need for a coffee shop.

But SKDC planning staff say the site has little functional use and is next to an existing petrol station, so it would have little impact on the character of the area. It was a 'small scale proposal' that is 'considered acceptable.'