Peeblesshire News | News | Residents give instant rejection to new coffee shop

Thursday, 4th December, 2008

Published: Tuesday, 29th January, 2008 15:30

Residents give instant rejection to new coffee shop

By Caitlin Smith

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PEEBLES residents have written in opposition of a new 98-seat coffee house on a local landmark site.

Once the home of Veitch’s Department Store, a Scottish chain - likening themselves in character to Starbucks - have filed two planning applications to take over the ground floor premises.

‘Coffee Stop’ already has outlets in Edinburgh- one in the bus station and the other in Princes Mall, as well as a third in East Kilbride’s Olympia Centre and a newly acquired spot on Musselburgh High Street.

Since the application was granted in September 2007, Scottish Borders Council’s Planning Department has been bombarded with letters opposing the development, despite the site having remained vacant for almost a year.

A common thread in many of the letters is that the town does not need more food or drink outlets.

One objection from local shop owner Nigel McLachlan of Deli Beans, said that giving permission for another outlet would lead to reduced trade and closures.

“It is likely that long established eateries may have to reduce opening hours to cut costs and this will have a knock-on effect on local staffing and the dynamic and appeal of shopping in Peebles,” he wrote.

Peebles & District Community Council listed over thirty establishments and in their letter of objection, posed the question: ‘what can Coffee Stop bring to Peebles?’

Agents acting on behalf of the coffee company, argue that the empty premises reflect badly on the image of the area, adding that the presence of a national retailer would signal the town centre was healthy.

Objectors make reference to the independent nature of the High Street and the desire for it to stay that way, despite the presence of existing big chain names such as Boots, Semi-Chem and Sainsbury’s.

A letter from Community Council secretary Douglas Wright stated: “The community council reminds SBC that Peebles won an accolade for the rich diversity of shops in the town.

“This was made possible by SBC Planning Policy of rigorous enforcement of the prime retail frontage rules over a number of years, and by resisting attempts to breach its integrity.”

Planning officer Matthew Taylor told the Peeblesshire News that they would make a decision based on whether or not Coffee Stop - which plans to sell fresh sandwiches, paninis and range of coffees - would have an “adverse impact on the viability and vitality of the town centre.”

The two applications filed with SBC requests permission to alter the interior and exterior of the Category B Listed building and also change of use from Class 1 to Class 3 – from retail to food.

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