ENGLAND’S first drive-through Starbucks is set to be built in East Lancashire.

Planning permission has been granted for a major business complex off Haslingden Road, Blackburn, which includes a ‘stand-alone drive-through unit’ run by the coffee giant.

Currently the only drive-through Starbucks is in Cardiff, where it opened last year.

According to the plans, submitted by Darwen-based forecourt operator Euro Garages, access would be from Haslingden Road.

The scheme, which was approved by Blackburn with Darwen’s planning committee, also includes a 26,000sq-ft, three-storey office block and a petrol station with forecourt.

A letter from Guide Village Action Group protested about pollution, loss of landscaping and an increase in traffic.

But in their report, council officers said: “These issues are private matters between the applicant and the objector.”