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 use of the private car”.
Officers said in a report: “The proposed new facility would be only approximately 600 metres from the existing Costa outlet on Dumbarton High Street, and would be located in an edge-of-town centre location.
“It would also have a significant advantage over the town centre cafés in terms of its relative ease of access and the convenience of the drive-through format for car based trips.
“Given these features, the council considers the proposed store has significant potential to compete with town centres facilities, and to attract and divert customers who may otherwise have carried on into the town centre for a coffee – with the potential loss of linked trips within the town centre once there.”
The Scottish Government reporter has also been provided with all 431 letters of objection to the plans, and will consider these as part of their assessment.
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie hopes the views of locals will be taken into account by the reporter.
She said: “I feel sorry for the residents and business owners in the area who were understandably relieved when this planning application was originally rejected by West Dunbartonshire Council.
“This appeal will undoubtedly cause them stress and anxiety as they await the outcome.
“The concerns raised at the time regarding traffic, noise and litter associated with a food and drink outlet and the impact on local businesses remain.
“I hope that the reporter carries out a thorough review, taking all relevant concerns into consideration.”
A spokesman for Costa Coffee confirmed that the company had appealed the decision, but said that they would not comment whilst the process was ongoing.
