Costa - invading chain or good for Thatcham?

People can finally have their say on cafe as retrospective planning permission is validated

PEOPLE can finally say whether they want a Costa coffee shop in Thatcham town centre.

The official process only started this week, although the Kingsland Centre café has been open for more than two months.

The retrospective planning application was submitted by franchise owner Steve Falle days after the shop opened in March, but was only formally accepted this week by West Berkshire Council because of staff shortages in the planning department.

Residents, business owners and shoppers finally have the chance to say if they want it to remain open.

One Thatcham resident who is for Costa, Sharon Barnard, said: “About 10 years ago there was nowhere you could go to have a drink.

“I can understand that it takes away from the smaller ones, but I personally like it.

“The Broadway is looking a bit sad at the moment so this makes it look a bit nicer – it gives it a little bit more life.”

However, Thatcham resident and businessman Martyn Herriott, who at the time Costa opened said that he was concerned Mr Falle was trying to “roll over planning permission” said that his views had not changed.

“It still is not correct that somebody can build a shop and open it without planning permission.

“He is Costa; he does not give two hoots because he has the money to pay [if his application does not get approval].”

He added that now Costa was open in Thatcham another national chain would follow in six to nine months, as it had done in other towns.

People can comment on the application until June 7 online at www.westberks.gov.uk

What do you think about Costa. Contact Tanya Haji by emailing tanya.haji@newburynews.co.uk or telephone (01635) 564541