Wendy’s revealed as takeaway planned for ‘Advertising Corner’ at junction of The Grove and Barrack Road after Richard Carr’s firm Fortitudo won planning appeal decision

A WENDY's drive-through has been revealed as the takeaway planned for a prominent gateway to Christchurch.

Fortitudo, owned by property boss Richard Carr, won permission to develop the green space at the junction of The Grove and Barrack Road, on appeal.

Mr Carr told the A&T he believed the arrival of the US burger giant was "good news for Bournemouth and Christchurch" adding: "It is a very good company and this will create at least 50-60 new jobs for the area."

The site was at the centre of a bitter planning battle between Fortitudo, BCP Council and Christchurch Town Council for several years.

Wendy's has taken a 20-year lease with plans to open a 2,150sqft restaurant while SSE have a 25-year lease at the site for 12 electric vehicle chargers.

A recent meeting of Christchurch Town Council's planning and regulatory committee agreed to raise concerns about the proposed plans for the land, including traffic problems.

The committee appeared unaware of the Wendy's lease, and several councillors said they felt a drive-through was not needed at the site as there is already a McDonald's further along the road along with several other fast-food takeaway outlets.

But Mr Carr said Wendy's is "offering an alternative to other places and their burgers are very different to McDonald's."

He added: "The restaurant will be especially good for staff leaving Bournemouth hospital at the end of a long shift as well as other workers in the area and everyone who enjoys a good burger."

Reacting to Christchurch councillors comments that there were already enough fast food outlets in the area he said: "A huge operation like Wendy's would not be coming to that road if they did not think it was going to work."

Christchurch council has objected to five previous planning applications by Fortitudo to build on the land, including proposals for new homes and apartments.

He said: "The irony is that if the council had backed the plans for housing it would have resulted in homes for people that are really needed, especially for staff at the hospital which I understand is facing real problems retaining staff because they are unable to find homes in the area.

"But councillors kept turning those plans down."

Commenting on the plans at the planning and regulatory committee, Cllr Robin Adamson said: “We are awash with [takeaways] and with all of this light at each of these things, it's just going to start to look more like Las Vegas as you drive into Christchurch from that side.”

Mr Adamson said he preferred the route into Christchurch remain as it is, saying: “It is quite nice actually. As you go over the river, over the bridge, you’ve got a nice green space on the right and you’ve got that little green space on the corner.

“It isn’t huge, but it actually has a nice feel to it. From my perspective it [the drive-through] is probably not appropriate for that spot.”

Chair of the committee Cllr David Jones told members the town council could now only comment on issues around access, layout, scale, appearance, landscaping and the impact on neighbouring properties.

He added: “I can say the town council regretted the decision [that outline planning permission was granted] because we wanted to maintain this corner as a green space, as a valuable open space for the community.”

Several councillors said they felt the restaurant was “too big” with Cllr Viv Charrett adding: “It will be a very significant looking building. I think it could be much less visually intrusive.”

Others said they were worried about the fact both the exit and entrance were on The Grove. Cllr Sue Spittle said: “If traffic exiting wants to turn right it’s going to cause the traffic on The Grove to block up. There’s going to be a tremendous amount of traffic coming and going so there is going to be traffic hazards and potential for accidents.”

She suggested the exit be at the south-east of the site, on Barrack Road. Others were concerned about arrangements for pedestrians and cyclists.

Cllr Spittle said: “I come along that road, and generally there is always a lot of pedestrians around – schoolchildren going to bus stops, or crossing over.”

The committee said it would raise concerns with BCP over access at the site, extending the ‘keep clear’ signs on The Grove, and worries about pedestrian safety in the area.

It also raised complaints about the proposed building’s size and building materials.

Mr Carr won outline permission for the site on appeal to the planning inspector last year.

Savill's estate agency now have it up for sale with offers invited at £2,995,000.

In its sales brochure it states the site had "high traffic exposure, with around 27,000 daily vehicle movements”. It says there is a total rent roll of £182,000 per year.

Savills says the site "currently benefits from an outline planning permission for a drive-through and EV charging bays. The planning permission will compromise of a 2,150 square foot restaurant with appropriate drive through-lane surrounding and an EV charging hub with 12 bays."

Wendy's is the third largest burger retailer in the world and currently has 40 takeaways in the UK.

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