Jobs boost on the menu as developers target Dalkeith retail approval

London & Scottish Investments have applied for planning permission for a £2 million development featuring the two global brands on a 1.5-acre site on land between the A7 and an adjoining Tesco store at Hardengreen.

The development will create around 55 jobs, depending on the hours of operation, and establish Hardengreen as a fast food and coffee hub for the area. Starbucks and KFC would join McDonalds which has planning permission for a restaurant in the adjacent Tesco car park.

The council’s planning committee is expected to make a final decision on the development, on November 20, with planning officials recommending approval.

The matter was continued from the last planning committee meeting until the council’s food and drink consultation findings are delivered, but Bryan Wilson, development director with London and Scottish Investments, said he was absolutely confident that the development will comply with the new guidance.

“All in all this is a delicious prospect, in a location that is absolutely ideal for both Starbucks and KFC, where they will undoubtedly enhance the fast food and coffee experience for the whole of the area, without impacting on any of the local town centres,” he said.

“We really hope that the planning committee see this development as massive win-win situation for Dalkeith, Eskbank and Bonnyrigg as well as the rest of Midlothian.

“It will create 55 long term, secure jobs, and around 20 more in the construction period, and the site will have 44 new car parking spaces, without affecting existing car park provisions.

“More importantly it will breathe new life into a dormant brownfield site, create income for the council, and give local people a great social hub and fantastic food and coffee choices.”

Mr Wilson added that if the development gets the go ahead he would expect work to start in the spring of next year, with both drive-thru outlets open for business in late spring 2019.