Plans for new Costa Coffee shop in Royston given the green light
CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new coffee shop in Royston have been given the green light. North Herts district council s planning committee voted to approve a scheme which will see the old toy shop in the high street converted into a Costa Coffee shop. Twelve
CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new coffee shop in Royston have been given the green light.
North Herts district council's planning committee voted to approve a scheme which will see the old toy shop in the high street converted into a Costa Coffee shop. Twelve members of the committee gave the plans the thumbs up, with one member voting against.
When the scheme was announced earlier this year, it was met with criticism from owners of existing coffee shops, who claimed that the arrival of another store could drive them out of business.
However, Stephen Larcombe, chairman of the Royston Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber welcomed the development.
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Mr Larcombe said: "It's good news that the final hurdle has been removed.
"Although we understand the views of some of the coffee shop owners who feel threatened by this application, we took the view that the old toy shop is an important building in the High Street.
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"It is a listed building with unique features, including an outdoor area, and to have it standing empty runs the risk of it becoming derelict.
"On balance we believe Costa's arrival is good for Royston," he said.
The plans will also see the upper floors of the building, which has been empty since the toy shop was closed by owner Doug Drake in February 2008, converted into flats.
