Tuesday June 24th 2025
Scottish Borders Council headquarters
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Folk living in Kelso may yet wake up to smell the coffee after US coffee chain Starbucks launched an appeal against refusal of a proposed drive-thru in the town.
The outlet had been earmarked for derelict land north east of Oakwood in Station Road.
But the application submitted to Scottish Borders Council divided opinion, with 85 objections and 35 in favour.
Support comments included tidying up of a site which has been vacant for more than 20 years, new jobs for the area and the provision of a facility attractive to a younger generation.
Objectors raised concerns for road safety in respect of vehicle speeds and the choice of location at a junction on the brow of a hill. Litter issues and increased noise were also cited.
If approved the drive-thru would have been the second such outlet in the Borders, with Starbucks opening an outlet on the site of the old Abbotsford Arms Hotel in Galashiels, near the town’s Transport Interchange, in December 2022.
In his report refusing the application, Euan Calvert, SBC assistant planning officer, noted that the council’s landscape architect objected to the bid, stating it would be “detrimental to the character, attractiveness and amenity of the surrounding area” and “an incongruous addition to the residential streetscape”.
But now Starbucks is seeking an appeal against the decision to Scottish Borders Council’s Local Review Body.
Refusal came despite enthusiastic support from Kelso councillor Tom Weatherston, who had expressed the hope the company would appeal the decision, adding: “This site has sat derelict for well over 20 years and has become badly overgrown and lets the area down, it’s good news for Kelso that the site has been purchased.
“This type of drive through facility is a different offer to town centre cafes and I am confident this proposal would not have a big impact on the town centre businesses, and would be more attractive to people driving through the area. It will be very good to see this part of Kelso tidied up after many years.”
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