Costa Coffee could be forced to close one of its shops, following a planning appeal in Beverley. The coffee chain opened a store in the Yorkshire market town last year, without permission to change the use of a former shoe shop - a Grade 2 Listed Building in the town’s conservation area.
Costa appealed to the Planning Inspectorate after East Riding Council refused to grant retrospective permission, while it also asked for a public inquiry to be held to hear the appeal.
A Costa spokeswoman said: "Costa Coffee in Beverley has been serving over 3,000 custo-mers a week. This demonstrates it is providing a service that most customers have welcomed in the town. Other examples of Costa entering towns have revealed that Costa actually complements independent retailers and often draws increased footfall into retail spaces."
The inquiry report is due to be published in six weeks.
Last year in Skipton - a similar market town to Beverley, the local council refused to give Costa permission to open a shop.
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