Work has begun on a drive-thru Costa Coffee at an out-of-town shopping complex.

Progress is being made on the cafe at the Eclipse Park estate, near M&S and Next in Maidstone.

The new coffee shop will be in Sittingbourne Road, just off the M20 at Junction 7.

The plot it will sit on is opposite M&S, Cavell Park Care Home and next to new housing.

Plans were first put forward for the chain in September 2023 by site freehold owner Gallagher Properties.

But, a decision ont he plans was deferred the following April by Maidstone council officers.

It came after some councillors expressed concern over it being a “bad neighbour” with noise, pollution and litter, despite restictions on the coffee shop to serve customers only between 6am and 10pm.

Some had likened it to an “unofficial motorway service station”.

But in May of last year, the application was finally given the green light.

As well as the coffee shop, the plans also feature a two-storey building containing four light-industrial units with a separate exit onto Sittingbourne Road on the plot next to it.

Now, work has begun on both with the structure of the new cafe taking shape. The new road has also been laid.

A completion date is yet to be revealed.

When finished, the new Costa will feature both inside and outside seating, as well as 28 standard parking spaces, two disabled spaces and a waiting space.

It is also expected to create the equivalent of eight new full-time jobs.

Currently, the chain’s closest branches are in the Next, also based at Eclipse Park, and in Fremlin’s Walk.

It also has locations in Bearstead, Langley and Maidstone Hospital.

It had a store in Maidstone High Street, but this shut at the beginning of last year. It was later replaced by cafe Real Eating Company.

Costa has been approached for comment.