Barnstaple eyeing up fast food giant

Planning permission sought

American fast food chain Popeyes could be coming to Barnstaple if planners agree to it, adding to the company’s restaurants in Plymouth and Exeter.

EG On The Move Ltd, who have recently developed a petrol filling station and Starbucks drive-through restaurant off the Roundswell A39 roundabout, have submitted plans to North Devon Council to construct a Popeyes drive-through with 27 parking spaces.

The area of land was previously consented for HGV fuelling and was part of a hybrid outline application for a total of 1.4 hectares which included a garden centre, car parking, drive-through coffee shop and ancillary infrastructure which was approved in August 2022.

Planning documents to the council say that whilst the roadside service element is operational, the HGV fuelling element of the proposals has not been constructed and is currently vacant.

A Popeyes restaurant would be accessed along the southern aspect of the site, via two priority-controlled junctions.

Parking would include two mobility impaired standard bays and cycle stands and there are regular bus services between Roundswell and Barnstaple.

American fast food chain Popeyes, famous for its Louisiana-style fried chicken, made its UK debut in 2021, opening its flagship London restaurant at Stratford Westfield. Since then it has expanded across the country and a new site opened in Plymouth in 2023 followed by one in Exeter the following year.

North Devon Council will decide on the application for Devon’s third Popeyes restaurant at a future date.