Keynsham doesn't need a Costa, objectors tell council
By BeckyFeather | Monday, September 10, 2012, 18:15
Objections are flooding in to Costa's plans to take over the old Clinton Cards shop in Keynsham - with warnings that established businesses could be pushed out and jobs lost.
-
Do you want to see a Costa coffee shop in Keynsham?
The South West Coffee franchise, which runs several Costa branches in Bristol, has applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council to change the use of the card shop at 50 High Street to a coffee shop, opening from 7am to 8pm.
Around 30 objections have already been lodged with the council, with the general feeling being that there is no need for another coffee shop as there are already several in Keynsham, plus pubs and bars which sell teas and coffees, and there are concerns that local independents could be pushed out of business.
Bath Bakery in Temple Street, which runs a coffee shop, told the council: "This application should be rejected on the grounds that the area is already very well provided with cafes and coffee houses, many of which are struggling finanically in these difficult times.
"Yet another caf will dilute the customers base even more and take custom from established businesses. If trading conditions are made more difficult in any way, but particularly by the introduction of yet another facility, businesses may fail and jobs will surely be lost.
"Furthermore there is already a shortage of car parking in the area and any new customers coming to the area will have nowhere to park."
Another objector told the council: "I enjoy Keynsham because of the local shops, not brands."
And Louisa Smith, of Queens Road, commented: "Keynsham is overrrun with charity shops, coffee shops and the like."
Some objectors have suggested alternative uses for the empty unit, including a pet or clothes shop.
The plans have sparked debate on Keynsham People - have your say
Comments
I also agree that too many coffee shops could damage each others businesses and then that could lead to closure of businesses and people's jobs
By Laurafriend at 16:34 on 17/09/12
ReportI don't think there are too many charity shops because they are all supporting different charities e.g Mental health (Mind) Childhood Cancer (CLIC) and heart disaese (British Heart Foundation). Coffee shops are all selling the same products and are NOT a charity plus volunteering is a good thing for young people without a job to do while they look for work. I would like to see more clothes shops and a pet shop would be nice seeing as the other one closed down. Ironically it is now CLIC which i help out in.
By Laurafriend at 16:32 on 17/09/12
ReportBut no-one visits a town like Keynsham - just for a coffee. Perhaps if rents and business tax were not so high, there would be more small business would be interested. in the area? A small business is at a disadvantage compared to a large chain.
By Ducky661 at 14:53 on 14/09/12
ReportActually Costa would be a nice addition to the High Street and better than a closed down card shop. it is always strange that objectors suggest alternatives like pet shops but never put their money where their mouth is by actually opening a business themselves. People who are prepared to open shops in the current economy and with all the pressure from people buying things on the internet should be welcomed.
Thankfully a timely coffee is one of the things you can't buy online so that is why such businesses (and charity shops) are thriving. The objectors would do better to campaign against online sales of things like books and records, which have ruined our High Streets.
By johnred2011 at 16:20 on 12/09/12
Report