Appeal for a third Costa in Dumbarton has been rejected by the Scottish Government

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Controversial plans for a third Costa in Dumbarton have reached the end of the line, after the Scottish Government rejected an appeal from the coffee giants.Plans for a new drive-thru Costa in the car park of Morrison’s Dumbarton store were rejected by councillors last year, having received more than 430 objections from members of the public.Costa already has a cafe in Dumbarton High Street and a drive-thru at Lomondgate Services.The plans were rejected for being contrary to the local development plan “as it would have a detrimental impact on Dumbarton town centre” and because “the proposed development does not prioritise active travel and promotes the use of the private car”.However, the developers, Leeds-based Peacock and Smith, appealed the refusal to the Scottish Government – and a decision was initially expected in August.That was delayed until last week however, when Department for Environmental Appeals reporter Amanda Chisholm ruled that there was: “Insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the proposal would not undermine the town centre, or that its function would complement that of other centres within the network of centres, specifically the town centre and Dumbarton East.”Ms Chisholm continued: “A key concern of the local plan is the effect on the town centre of a change in shopping habits, resulting in a reduced level of footfall and a narrower range of shops, as well as more shop vacancies.“At the site inspection I observed a number of vacant units, particularly in the Artizan Centre, now largely unoccupied.”She added: “Although the appellant appears to have made adequate provision for pedestrians and cyclists, I consider that this development would not maximise the extent to which travel demands are met