BP plans for sites of former Frankie and Benny’s and Chiquito in Ravenswood, Ipswich, approved

Drive-throughs will be built at two empty Ipswich restaurants after the approval of plans.

Chargemaster Ltd, owned by BP, submitted proposals to Ipswich Borough Council to install 10 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations with canopies to provide 20 EV parking bays outside the former Chiquito and Frankie and Benny’s, in Edith Cook Way, Ravenswood, back in April.

The applicant also proposed minor work to the eateries, which would include the installation of drive-throughs.

It was hoped this would offer a ‘more agile option’ for drivers to remain in their cars while waiting their turn to use the charging bays, the applicant said.

Car parking spaces at the site will also be realigned under the plans and roads would be shifted to allow for access to the drive-throughs.

The EV stations installed will make use of rapid charging technology, allowing them to charge a car within 30 minutes.

A total of 71 parking spaces will be provided in total.

The plans were approved by the authority, provided landscaping shown in the plans was carried out within the first planting season.