Starbucks- response to York A64 drive-thru sign refusal

Starbucks said they were disappointed by City of York Council’s refusal of its retrospective application for an illuminated totem sign outside its site in A64 Malton Road, Stockton-on-the-Forest.

A spokesperson for the US coffee chain said they would continue to work constructively to address issues raised by council planning officials.

It comes after officials ruled the sign, which bears the company’s green and white branding and logo, was too large and dominant.

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They added it would be lit up in a rural area close to important nature conservation sites in the green belt.

Starbucks’ application sought to regularise the sign installed outside the drive-thru building by the A64.

The coffee shop is based in the former home of the Four Alls Inn pub and plans to convert the building into a Starbucks were approved last year.

Council officials said the sign would result in unnecessary clutter and it was not in keeping with the surrounding area.

They added it was subject to stricter lighting rules due to being close to the Kingsmoor Plantation and Sandmoor Wood.

The company would be able to appeal the decision if it wanted to challenge the ruling.

The Starbucks drive-thru in the A64 Malton Road, Stockton-on-the-Forest, York. Picture is from Starbucks/York Council’s planning portal

Starbucks did not say whether or not it had plans to do so when asked by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

They told LDRS: “We note the council’s decision to refuse our planning appeal application for a totem sign at the Starbucks drive-thru in Malton Road, Stockton-on-the-Forest.

“While we are disappointed, we respect the process and will continue to work constructively with the council and other stakeholders to address the concerns raised.

“Our aim remains to deliver a site that benefits our customers and the wider community.”