Diggers have moved in to demolish a former dental surgery and make way for a Starbucks drive-thru on Wetherby Road in Harrogate.
Construction workers have been clearing overgrowth and moving out leftover furniture from 1st Dental Surgery before the site is levelled.
When complete, there will be a coffee shop with 19 car parking spaces close to the Woodlands junction on the busy road.
Developer Euro Garages has spent almost a decade trying to win permission for the work, which Harrogate Borough Council rejected three times.
The council turned down the latest bid back in 2019 on air quality and highways grounds.
Read more:
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- Government approves controversial Wetherby Road Starbucks
Euro Garages appealed and government planning inspector Helen Hockenhull overturned the decision in July and ordered the council to pay costs for the hearing.
The move comes despite fierce opposition from some local residents, who warned traffic on the road was already at “breaking point”.
Ms Hockenhull said in a decision notice:
“I recognise that my findings will be disappointing to the local residents and ward councillor who gave evidence at the hearing.
“With the proposed mitigation measures secured by planning conditions, I am not persuaded that the development would cause significant harm.”
The Stray Ferret has approached Euro Garages and Starbuck for comment.
