FIFTEEN new jobs could be created by plans for a drive-thru Costa Coffee at the gateway into the Lake District.

The family forecourt business behind the two Shell filling stations on the A591 dual carriageway at Prizet, near Kendal, is seeking planning consent from South Lakeland District Council.

Businessman Simon Hockings, of Fleetwood-based AUK Investments, is proposing to expand the existing northbound site by creating:

l a drive-thru Costa café/restaurant, open 7am to 10pm, seven days a week

l a new single-storey office building

l and 44 car parking spaces with four electric car charging points.

The Prizet North site is already home to a Shell petrol station and shop, and a Travelodge hotel.

A total of 27 new full-time jobs could be created by the proposed new coffee shop and offices, according to plans lodged with SLDC.

The plans describe the entire Prizet site on both sides of the A591 as "growing into something of a rural business hub". The offices recently built by AUK Investments at the Prizet South site are fully let.

Meanwhile, several business owners have approached the applicant, Mr Hockings, to express interest in having premises at Prizet.

The southbound site also features a cash dispenser and a tile/flooring showroom.

Mr Hockings' family business has several key Lake District petrol forecourts, including the one at Ings with its flagship Biketreks cycling shop and Café Ambio.

Plans state his company has identified "a significant deficiency" in rapid charging points for electric cars along the strategic A591 road into the Lake District. Although there are charging points in Kendal, this would involve a detour for many motorists.

The Costa Coffee café and the charging points are designed to complement each other, with the plans stating: "...given that recharging an electric car takes an estimated 30 minutes, attendant facilities such as coffee shops offer shelter from the weather and somewhere to take a break from driving".

The offices and drive-thru coffee shop have been designed with local limestone walls to be "un-intrusive within the immediate rolling landscape". They would have grey metal roofs and window frames.