Costa appeals planning refusal for new coffee shop in Dumbarton

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A coffee giant has appealed the council’s decision to reject its plans for a third cafe in Dumbarton. Last year, Costa Coffee submitted proposals for a new drive-through cafe in the car park of Morrisons supermarket on Glasgow Road, sparking fears from local business owners that it could force them out of business.

Costa already has a coffee shop on Dumbarton High Street and one at Lomondgate Services.Gayle McCallum, who owns You’ll Love Our Home Bakes in Dumbarton East, warned at the time: “If Costa don’t get their application approved then they’ll survive.

If they get it then some of us might not.”After 431 objections from members of the public the plans were rejected by councillors - citing the potential impact they could have on Dumbarton town centre, and the fact they promoted the use of private cars and not active travel.However Costa has now appealed the decision, with a Scottish Government reporter set to review the case by next month.A target date of June 6 has been set for a decision, with the appeal status reading: “This appeal has been allocated to a reporter.“The period for written submissions from members of the public has ended.“The authority has provided its response to the appeal and the applicant is now entitled to comment.“The reporter is looking at the documents and submissions, and will consider what, if any, further procedures are necessary in order to consider this appeal.“Further details will be forthcoming in due course.”The plans were refused by West Dunbartonshire Council in December last year 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