Market Drayton Costa move wins council's backing

The coffee chain has won the backing of town councillors for the cafe, which will take over a vacant Stead & Simpson shop.

It has met with opposition in other towns when moving in, including Newport when it opened up in 2012 and rival cafes reported a big dip in takings.

There has also been opposition on Market Drayton's Drayton Crier Facebook page, with people complaining about the competition it will bring and the prices it will charge.

But Market Drayton Town Council's planning committee agreed that the shop building in Cheshire Street should be allowed to change use.

Plans will now go before Shropshire Council's north planning committee who will make a final decision.

Councillor Roger Hughes said: "It is an extremely positive move. For a big company like this to show confidence in coming to Market Drayton is a big thing.

"Everyday I have business owners coming up to me asking when the Costa is coming and they are all very positive about it.

"These brands are well known and are extremely popular and it being here in one of the town's busiest streets is just another reason for people to come to Market Drayton."

Councillor Val Taylor said: "We can't refuse this on the grounds that we assume it might put other businesses under because we would be making an assumption.

"Competition is not a reason to refuse it. I will still go where I have always gone in the town for my coffee but we have to be positive about it. Maybe it will bring some other big companies to the town."

The application, submitted by Savills on behalf of the coffee giant, said the new shop could "improve the liveliness, attractiveness and character of centre", as well as increase footfall in local shops.

Costa has been likened to Tesco for its power on the High Street, often facing huge opposition from local traders.

In 2012 it pulled out of a Devon town that prides itself on having independent shops.

South Hams District Council had approved plans by Costa Coffee to open in Totnes but it led to a huge campaign.

In a letter, the managing director of Costa, said the company had "recognised the strength of feeling" against national brands in the town.

The move, detailed in a letter to "the people of Totnes", came after bosses agreed to travel to the town to meet leaders.

If a Costa branch opens in Market Drayton it will add to those in Telford, Shrewsbury, Bridgnorth, Ludlow and Oswestry.