Starbucks is set to open its first café in Letchworth – complete with a drive-thru, outdoor seating and electric vehicle charging.

Planning permission has been granted for a new café next to Burger King and Wickes, near Baldock Road and the A1(M).

Documents put forward by the developer show that the new building would sit in the south-eastern corner of an existing car park, which would need to be "reconfigured" to make way for the project.

The new single-storey café would feature a mix of timber and concrete cladding, and large glazed areas.

A report reads: "The proposed development is being led by market and locational requirements, as Starbucks has not got an existing unit in Letchworth and the retail park can accommodate the proposed development, to serve the needs of the existing customers."

Planning permission has also been secured for signage which would be "very visible" from the B656 Baldock Road and Jubilee Road.

"This would dominate the street scene to the detriment of the character of the area," the report reads.

The developer added the signage would appear "relative" to the existing Wickes and Burger King buildings.

In granting planning permission, nine conditions have been imposed on the developer, among them that at least 10 per cent of Starbucks' new car park spaces must include electric vehicle charging points.

A Starbucks spokesperson said: "We are always looking for new locations and opportunities to bring the Starbucks Experience to customers in the UK, but at this time we have no updates to share about plans in Letchworth."