Costa plans back on the agenda
PLANS for a new Costa Coffee shop in Royston will go under the microscope again next week. A revised scheme for the coffee shop will go before North Herts district council s planning committee next Thursday.The original plan for the franchise, which woul
PLANS for a new Costa Coffee shop in Royston will go under the microscope again next week.
A revised scheme for the coffee shop will go before North Herts district council's planning committee next Thursday.
The original plan for the franchise, which would be housed in the old toy shop on Royston High Street, was deemed unacceptable because the size of a glass conservatory the applicants wanted to build on the listed building.
However, following discussions with planning chiefs at the district council, architects Campbell Rees have come up with an alternative, which involves a "minimalist" extension on the side of the property, and the conversion of the first floor into a three-bedroom flat.
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A statement in their application reads: "A Costa Coffee would provide a useful and pleasant addition for the commercial district of Royston, providing a comfortable seating arrangement for both shoppers and workers, while also complimenting other surrounding businesses."
The prospect of the shop's arrival caused some concern among local businesses when the initial application was submitted earlier this year.
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Clive Porter, who led coffee shop owners that opposed the plans, said he will be attending the planning committee meeting to voice his concerns.
Royston town centre manager Geraint Burnell said: "In general I would welcome another major chain coming into the High Street, although I understand it wouldn't be without implications in terms of competition.
"I would hope having another shop in Royston would lead to an increase in footfall in the town. My impression is that each new coffee shop which has opened so far has added more than it has taken away.
