A coffee giant could be moving on to a disused plot near a large retail park but fears have been raised over extra traffic.

Starbucks has applied to build a single-storey 24/7 coffee shop and drive-through on 0.28 hectares of undeveloped land neighbouring Bannatyne Health and Fitness Club and a small industrial development in Ernest Gage Avenue.

Norwich Evening News: The empty plot off Ernest Gage Avenue in Costessey which could be turned into a Starbucks drive thru and cafeThe empty plot off Ernest Gage Avenue in Costessey which could be turned into a Starbucks drive thru and cafe (Image: Google)

If approved by South Norfolk Council, it would be close to Longwater Retail Park and the A47 and create 23 jobs including 14 full-time and nine part-time.

Richard Neil, from Coronach Close in nearby Queen's Hills estate, said via the planning website: "This development will just encourage more motor traffic into an already very congested and poorly designed area.

"I try to access local services and facilities by bicycle as much as possible. The amount of traffic around the A47 Longwater junction/William Frost Way makes this extremely unpleasant and hazardous.

"In addition queuing traffic is already beginning to impact on Queen's Hills homeowners accessing the estate.

"Before any further development is permitted in the area, please could the council take a long, hard look at the area and take steps to improve the situation for non-motorised traffic."

Norwich Evening News: Costessey Town Council member Gary BlundellCostessey Town Council member Gary Blundell (Image: Newsquest)

Town councillor Gary Blundell, who also lives in Queen's Hills, said: "There are already five coffee shops in that area. I know people love coffee but do we need another coffee shop here?"

He added new jobs would benefit the area and measures should be looked at for the surrounding roads to mitigate against extra traffic through a Section 106 community funding agreement.

Norwich Evening News: Dan Burrill, chairman of Costessey Town CouncilDan Burrill, chairman of Costessey Town Council (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Town council chairman Dan Burrill said: "I suspect it would lead to an increase in traffic. We know there is going to be future development in that area."

But Dan Trivedi, from Bawburgh, said: "I would like to support this application. it brings a disused parcel of land not suitable for any use other than commercial back to life."

The cafe would have 30 parking spaces and would be run by KBeverage, a franchise company set up to develop Starbucks stores, and if approved a 73sqm office would be built next to the cafe for 12 full-time KBeveradge staff.