A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to bring a national coffee chain to the centre of Minehead has been given the green light the second time around.

Costa has been granted permission to turn 2 Wellington Square, the old Blockbuster premises, into a coffee shop with outside seating by West Somerset Council’s planning committee.

The resubmitted application gave more information about the seating area outside, which was one of several concerns raised by campaigners.

The other major fear voiced was that the coffee giant would have a negative impact on existing foodanddrinkoutlets in the town.

But the report prepared by planning officer Elizabeth Peeks and approved by councillors said “no demonstrable harm to the vitality and viability to Minehead’s town centre would arise”.

The report stated: “The proposal, by reason of its layout, opening hours and use would safeguard the amenities of neighbouring residents and adjoining land users.”

Costa’s potential arrival has divided opinion in the town, with hundreds of people signing a petition against it and others all in favour.

Sally Eveleigh, owner of Toucan Wholefoods in The Parade, and key campaigner against the application, said: “I am disappointed but not surprised. We did what we could.

“I just really hope it won’t have a detrimental effect on small cafes in the town.

“I also hope that all the people who got behind our campaign and petition will vote with their feet and not support Costa when it opens.”

But she added: “If it does turn out that it brings more holidaymakers and trade into town and we can all get along fine, that would be marvellous, but only time will tell.

“It will also be interesting to see whether they fulfil their promise in the re-submitted planning application to make sure the tables and chairs outside don’t impinge on the tight public pavement.

“If they do, there will be a real safety concern for particularly disabled people and children using the pavement. We don’t want any accidents.”