Controversial plans for a third Costa in Dumbarton have reached the end of the line, after the Scottish Government rejected an appeal from the coffee giants.
Plans for a new drive-thru Costa in the car park of Morrison’s Dumbarton store were rejected by councillors last year, having received more than 430 objections from members of the public.
Costa already has a cafe in Dumbarton High Street and a drive-thru at Lomondgate Services.
The plans were rejected for being contrary to the local development plan “as it would have a detrimental impact on Dumbarton town centre” and because “the proposed development does not prioritise active travel and promotes the use of the private car”.
However, the developers, Leeds-based Peacock and Smith, appealed the refusal to the Scottish Government – and a decision was initially expected in August.
That was delayed until last week however, when Department for Environmental Appeals reporter Amanda Chisholm ruled that there was: “Insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the proposal would not undermine the town centre, or that its function would complement that of other centres within the network of centres, specifically the town centre and Dumbarton East.”
Ms Chisholm continued: “A key concern of the local plan is the effect on the town centre of a change in shopping habits, resulting in a reduced level of footfall and a narrower range of shops, as well as more shop vacancies.
“At the site inspection I observed a number of vacant units, particularly in the Artizan Centre, now largely unoccupied.”
She added: “Although the appellant appears to have made adequate provision for pedestrians and cyclists, I consider that this development would not maximise the extent to which travel demands are met through walking, cycling and public transport.”
The news will come as a relief to independent cafe owners and locals who objected.
Speaking last year, resident Elizabeth Daly said: “This would turn Dumbarton into a service station. It would bring nothing but grief to the area.
“The road infrastructure isn’t able to sustain the amount of cars on the road as it is.”
Whilst Gayle McCallum, owner of You’ll Love Our Home Bakes in Dumbarton East, warned: “If Costa don’t get their application approved then they’ll survive. If they get it then some of us might not.”
The rejection will be officially notified to WDC’s planning committee at its next meeting on November 16.
Costa was approached for comment but did not respond.
