Last updated at 16:33, Friday, 26 October 2012

A NATIONAL coffee shop chain is set to move in to Ulverston.

Costa Coffee was given planning permission to transform a vacant building in the town into its newest premises yesterday.

Members of South Lakeland District Council’s planning committee were overwhelmingly in favour of proposals for the former Halifax building society and estate agents in Market Street.

The decision went against the wishes of Ulverston Town Council which had voted narrowly to oppose allowing the business into the town earlier in the week.

Speaking at SLDC’s meeting, held in Kendal Town Hall, planning officer Kate Lawson told the committee that she was aware of concerns that independent coffee shops in Ulverston could suffer if the scheme went ahead.

But she said: “While I have sympathies with these sentiments they are not really planning matters.

“I think overall it would be good for the town and bring a business into an otherwise empty unit.”

The proposal was submitted to the district authority by Purple World – a franchisee that has already opened seven Costa Coffee businesses around Cumbria.

Information supplied to SLDC about the chain stated it would not affect existing trade in the town as it does not cook food directly on site.

Hot and cold drinks, as well as prepared food, would be available to purchase along with coffee beans, cafetieres and cups and saucers.

No external alternations would be made to the building aside from a Costa Coffee sign.

Ulverston Councillor Janette Jenkinson, said the issue had sparked controversy in the town – dividing opinion among both town councillors and residents.

“One of the comments on the Evening Mail’s website this week was that it takes trade to encourage trade.

“I think this is a very valid argument,” she added.

“In planning terms though there’s nothing much we can do and on balance, I think this will be good for the town.”

lA TOWN in Devon was celebrating yesterday after Costa Coffee withdrew plans to open a branch following widespread opposition.

Costa had applied for planning permission to bring an outlet to Totnes, in south Devon.

But several thousand people in the town signed a petition against Costa and pledged to boycott the new branch if it opened, warning that Totnes risked become a “clone town”.

The notocosta.co.uk website was also launched and campaigners enlisted the support of award-winning author Joan Brady, a former resident.

First published at 12:43, Friday, 26 October 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk