What is being suggested?
Trentham Leisure Limited is applying for full planning permission for the erection of a Starbucks Drive Thru café at Trentham Estate, Stone Road, Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 8JG.
The proposed development comprises:
A new drive thru café unit operated by Starbucks
A utility yard and new outdoor seating area
Installation of plant and condensers
Associated changes to car park layout, ancillary infrastructure and landscaping, including the planting of new trees
Where would the Drive Thru be located?
The proposed Drive Thru would be located on an existing area of hardstanding, car parking, to the south of the Premier Inn.
The site is located within an enclosed and well-contained area within the wider estate.
The proposed Starbucks Drive Thru would be built on existing hardstanding car park - with no impact on heritage assets.
Trentham's designation as a Grade II* Registered Park and Garden is central to its identity, and central to our approach to this proposal.
Why Starbucks?
The Drive Thru would be operated by Starbucks, providing a high-quality, recognisable offer that complements the existing food and beverage services on the estate.
It would serve estate visitors by filling a gap for ‘Grab and Go’ facilities that are not currently available at the estate, specifically a cafe which is open early (pre-8am). It also seeks to fill a gap in the Drive Thru network along the A34 corridor. It will complement the existing facilities and attractions at Trentham, offering something different.
The Site
We want to be clear: the proposed Drive Thru would be built entirely within an existing car park. It will not affect any listed buildings, the Grade II* Registered Park and garden or Trentham Conservation Areas, or green spaces. The estate has a long-standing and highly regarded reputation for conservation and environmental management, and this proposal has been designed to be fully consistent with those standards.
Trentham’s Heritage Status
Trentham Estate is designated as a Grade II* Registered Park and Garden, one of the highest heritage designations in England.
The estate also sits within the Trentham Conservation Area, which contains a number of listed buildings and structures reflecting its extraordinary history, including the Italianate Gardens designed by Sir Charles Barry in the 1830s.
We take these designations seriously. They are part of what makes Trentham remarkable, and protecting them is central to everything we do.
Key considerations
The proposed Drive Thru has been carefully located and designed to ensure there is no heritage harm.
Here is what that means in practice:
Location
The Drive Thru would be built on an existing area of hardstanding car park, south of the Premier Inn. It is not adjacent to any listed buildings.
Trees
No trees within the woodland area will be cut down. A small number of “immature”, ornamental trees within the car park will be cut down, but these will be replanted as part of the proposals. A minimum of 10% Biodiversity Net Gain will be delivered as part of the scheme.
No Heritage Harm
A full Heritage Statement has been prepared by specialist heritage consultants. This confirms that the proposals would not cause harm to the Trentham Conservation Area or the Registered Park and Garden.
No Impact on SSSI
The King's and Hargreaves Woods SSSI is located approximately 864m from the site. The proposals have been assessed and would have no impact on this or any other designated ecological site.
Trentham’s conservation credentials
Trentham Estate has a long-standing and widely recognised reputation for environmental stewardship and conservation. Its approach to managing and enhancing the landscape, including its woodlands, lake and gardens, is exemplary.
This proposal is consistent with that reputation. The Drive Thru would be built on car park, not countryside. It has been designed to sit sensitively within its setting, with landscaping, including new tree planting, to reduce visual impact over time.
Flood risk
The site lies within Flood Zone 1, the lowest flood risk category, with less than a 0.1% annual probability of flooding. The development would not increase flood risk on or off the site.
Economics & employment
Trentham Estate is a cornerstone of the Staffordshire visitor economy. With over 3.8 million annual visitors, the estate generates substantial economic activity, through visitor spending, local supply chains, and the employment it supports.
The proposed Drive Thru builds on this foundation, delivering additional jobs and economic output.
Supporting the visitor economy
A thriving Trentham means a stronger Staffordshire.
The estate is one of the region's most significant visitor assets. Keeping the offer current and competitive ensures that Trentham continues to attract visitors who spend money locally, in surrounding businesses, accommodation, restaurants and transport services.
The Drive Thru also serves to plug a gap in the Drive Thru network along the A34, and any passersby / commuters who may have diverted from the M6 who requirement a refreshment and are already on the road (passing trade), adding economic activity that goes beyond the estate itself. The drive thru would also provide a more convenient option for those travelling with reduced mobility, or who cannot leave their car due to disability or health issue.
A sustainable business
Trentham's business model is built on reinvestment. Revenue generated by facilities such as the Starbucks Drive Thru is reinvested into the estate, including its conservation, landscaping, environmental management and community engagement. This proposal is part of a long-term strategy to ensure Trentham remains a world-class destination.