A Costa Coffee shop in Skipton's core retail area would undermine the vitality of the town centre, an inspector said.
Rejecting the chain's appeal against Craven District Council's refusal of planning permission for the change of use of 14 to 16 High Street, the inspector said it was important to maintain a "high proportion" of retail shops in the centre.
Inspector Dannie Onn said change of use of the former mobile phone shop would be against the council's policy to maintain a mix of retail and non-retail in the High Street area.
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He said Costa Coffee would not provide anything not already on offer and the proposed retail element would be ancillary to the shop's main use.
In his report, after a public inquiry last month, Mr Onn said the prime objective of the council's planning policy was to promote the vitality and viability of the town centre.
"The development would not widen significantly the offer of the town centre. Nor would there be a qualitative improvement because existing outlets can provide what would be available at the appeal site," he said.
At the public inquiry, Costa Coffee argued that a branch in Skipton would help towards the town's vitality.
Mr Onn said although that would happen, there were other shops able to offer the same service: "It is important to maintain a high proportion of retail so that there is greater incentive to make shopping trips to the town."
Coun Philip Barrett, chairman of Craven's planning committee, said the council was pleased its decision had been upheld.
"Our planning policies are put in place to protect the vitality of Skipton town centre," he said.
"As the inspector states, it is important to maintain a high proportion of retail so there is a greater incentive to make shopping trips to the town and avoid leakage to other centres.
"The proposed loss of a retail unit would undermine the primary retail function of the town centre. I consider that the viability of the town centre would thus be threatened."
The decision was welcomed by the town's Chamber of Trade. But president Joan Evans stressed the Chamber was not against Costa Coffee opening at another site in the town.
"We have no issues with Costa Coffee and would welcome it into the town," she said.
What an absolute joke!!
Is it all about the old people and tourists of skipton what about the locals!!! The younger people who are sick and tired of battling into crappy little cafes just to get a drink at lunch. Jees and dont get me started on charity shops.."Skipton charity shop capital of the UK"!!!
What an absolute joke!!
Is it all about the old people and tourists of skipton what about the locals!!! The younger people who are sick and tired of battling into crappy little cafes just to get a drink at lunch. Jees and dont get me started on charity shops.."Skipton charity shop capital of the UK"!!!
You have hit the nail on the head.
"He said Costa Coffee would not provide anything not already on offer" - so why are there at least 5 charity shops? This argument simply does not stand and is double standards. "We can always use another charity shop" - it brings the coach loads of "chronologically challenged" people into the town (what about the carbon footprint? That is a disgrace!) Let the people have their coffee, or is caffeine also about to be banned from the town centre?
"We have no issues with Costa Coffee and would welcome it into the town," - so what's the problem?
"The development would not widen significantly the offer of the town centre. Nor would there be a qualitative improvement because existing outlets can provide what would be available at the appeal site,"
Yes it would. See above point about charity shops.
I hear Skipton is planning on celebrating the millennium in a few years time? Wonder if fireworks will be allowed......
Save yourself Skiptonians!
You have hit the nail on the head.
"He said Costa Coffee would not provide anything not already on offer" - so why are there at least 5 charity shops? This argument simply does not stand and is double standards. "We can always use another charity shop" - it brings the coach loads of "chronologically challenged" people into the town (what about the carbon footprint? That is a disgrace!) Let the people have their coffee, or is caffeine also about to be banned from the town centre?
"We have no issues with Costa Coffee and would welcome it into the town," - so what's the problem?
"The development would not widen significantly the offer of the town centre. Nor would there be a qualitative improvement because existing outlets can provide what would be available at the appeal site,"
Yes it would. See above point about charity shops.
I hear Skipton is planning on celebrating the millennium in a few years time? Wonder if fireworks will be allowed......
Save yourself Skiptonians!
The town centre is full of empty shops. I counted about 3 just on Sheep street including the disputed Costa coffee one. There are about a dozen charity shops in Skipton. There is one coffee retailer who really does not like competition and obviously has a bit of influence with the council!
The town centre is full of empty shops. I counted about 3 just on Sheep street including the disputed Costa coffee one. There are about a dozen charity shops in Skipton. There is one coffee retailer who really does not like competition and obviously has a bit of influence with the council!
Posted by: Shadow, In the fields on 9:52pm Fri 9 May 08
On the basis that shops shouldn't offer something which is already 'provided for', how come we have several jewellers, mobile phone outlets, health food shops etc? How come they were approved? (or maybe they were approved in more enlightened times...).
Mind you, you have to admire Mr Onn and Coun Barrett for their imaginative and creative use of the English language. They could almost be the same person. Maybe they are.
On the basis that shops shouldn't offer something which is already 'provided for', how come we have several jewellers, mobile phone outlets, health food shops etc? How come they were approved? (or maybe they were approved in more enlightened times...).
Mind you, you have to admire Mr Onn and Coun Barrett for their imaginative and creative use of the English language. They could almost be the same person. Maybe they are.
Posted by: Skiptoner, Skipton on 11:47am Mon 12 May 08
Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Costa apply before Subway?
How come Subway were let in, to set their litter free on the bus station (which is in itself a disgrace) and yet Costa got knocked back?
I think you'll find that the people who would frequent Costa aren't Chavs, whereas those at Subway...
Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Costa apply before Subway?
How come Subway were let in, to set their litter free on the bus station (which is in itself a disgrace) and yet Costa got knocked back?
I think you'll find that the people who would frequent Costa aren't Chavs, whereas those at Subway...
Skiptoner - maybe Subway sells second-hand sandwiches in keeping with the charity shop theme...
Costa obviously only promised to sell fresh coffee so they got the "you're not from round here are you? This is a local shop for local people" treatment...(which is itself ironic as most of the people that shop in Skipton come from elsewhere to visit, yes you guessed it, the "high proportion of retail so there is a greater incentive to make shopping trips to the town and avoid leakage to other centres."
Interesting point though - why was Subway accepted and Costa refused? Anyone know why?
Skiptoner - maybe Subway sells second-hand sandwiches in keeping with the charity shop theme...
Costa obviously only promised to sell fresh coffee so they got the "you're not from round here are you? This is a local shop for local people" treatment...(which is itself ironic as most of the people that shop in Skipton come from elsewhere to visit, yes you guessed it, the "high proportion of retail so there is a greater incentive to make shopping trips to the town and avoid leakage to other centres."
Interesting point though - why was Subway accepted and Costa refused? Anyone know why?
Posted by: Sarah, Skipton on 12:56pm Tue 13 May 08
What I dont understand is that they said they would welcome costa to the town, and to me the proposed empty shop seems like the perfect place central and convinient let me guess they let them in but only if situated near burger king!
What I dont understand is that they said they would welcome costa to the town, and to me the proposed empty shop seems like the perfect place central and convinient let me guess they let them in but only if situated near burger king!
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