Published on Sun Sep 18 09:00:00 BST 2011
PLANS to build a Costa coffee shop in a Grade Two listed building have been opposed by almost 600 signatures and the village’s parish council.
The application, put in by Coffee Snobs, a franchise of Costa, is to turn the former Barclays Bank building in Aylesbury Road, Wendover, into a cafe.
But the parish council has snubbed the proposals, dubbing them as ‘detrimental’ to the local trade.
But director of Coffee Snobs, Paul Messenger, says the application would be good for the town, attracting extra trade and bringing in something new.
“The parish council has said they don’t want a national brand in their village, but we’re only a small franchise and will be employing local people,” he said.
“In other places such as Tring we attract our own market. Most of the objectors were potential competitors, but in other areas we work side by side with other businesses well.
“We’re a name that people recognise and people will stop if they see a Costa, because they have certain expectations, rather than if they don’t know what a place is like. Costa is a brand that’s quite well liked and would encourage people into the town. I think it’s good to have a mixture of brands.”
But Jennifer Ballantine, chairman of the planning committee at Wendover Parish Council, disputed the need for a Costa in the town.
“It would be a listed building alongside listed houses,” she said.
“We’ve already got at least six coffee outlets in Wendover. Parking and noise would also be an issue, as well as the smell of coffee. It just wouldn’t be suitable for the people living next door.
“Wendover’s so small – Costa’s the kind of thing to have in a city.
“We received a petition of 571 signatures which has also been presented to Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC).”
The plans will be decided on by AVDC’s planning committee on September 22.
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Mire council idiots – any type of business new ipening is GOOD and positive – simple if you don’t like it – don’t use it!