Green light for ultra-rapid EV charging hub and Starbucks drive-thru

Detailed planning permission for a new commercial scheme that will include six ultra-rapid EV charging points and a Starbucks drive-thru in Staffordshire has been secured, with support from full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau.

UK property developer Godwin Developments has been given the green light for the 0.64-acre development site situated off the A518 in Uttoxeter. When built, the scheme will be operated by independent EV charging infrastructure company The EV Network, which will provide six ultra-rapid 150kW+ EV charge points, and feature 24 standard and two disabled parking bays, as well as cycle storage and pedestrian access from the nearby food shop.

Shakespeare Martineau acted for Godwin Developments on the transaction, which included advising on all legal matters relating to the purchase of the site and the associated letting arrangements.

Ben Darlow, legal director who specialises in commercial development and infrastructure at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “The site is strategically well-placed near the railway station in Uttoxeter and next to a Tesco and newly-opened Lidl store. It will be a great addition to the amenity of the town and should bring employment opportunities.

“With a ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2030 and the UK striving to reach net zero by 2050, electric charging infrastructure is becoming increasingly important and sought after on new and modern development sites. We are delighted to have been involved in such a critical transaction, which will allow Uttoxeter’s residents and visitors the opportunity to quickly charge their electric vehicles.”

The highly-prominent location has secured occupier commitment from Starbucks’ drive-thru franchise partner, The Magic Bean Company, which recently signed a long-term lease for the site.

Claudine Tracey, associate director, commercial development, at Godwin Developments, said: “We are really pleased to be delivering yet another great roadside retail opportunity for international brand Starbucks through its franchise partner The Magic Bean Company.

“We are also thrilled to be working once again with The EV Network following on from the successful completion of our scheme in Stoke-on-Trent earlier this year.

“This modern, purpose-built development will not only provide additional choice and amenity to local residents and visitors to Uttoxeter but will also deliver the first ultra-rapid EV charging points in the area – supporting its transition to more sustainable forms of travel.

“I would like to thank our expert in-house team and external consultants for securing both the planning permission and lease agreement for this development at pace, as well as the planners at East Staffordshire Borough Council for their support with the scheme.”

Sam Shaybani, co-founder and COO at The EV Network, added: “We’re very excited to bring forward the first ultra-rapid EV charging station to Uttoxeter, offering the community and visitors the opportunity to charge their electric vehicles in the shortest amount of time possible.

“It has been great to work with the Godwin Developments team once again and we look forward to bringing the scheme into operation.”