PRESS RELEASE - Bristol Greens Rally Around Costa Coffee Protest, Gloucester Road
Written by Daniel Casey Thursday, 15 December 2011
23/11/11
On Saturday afternoon, local Greens joined the protest outside the site of Costa Coffee at the bottom of Gloucester Road, which opened yesterday. The area is vibrant with small, independent businesses that are very popular with local inhabitants. Bristol City Council (BCC) has recognised this, and has legislated to protect the area from becoming awash with cafes and bars.
There has been great frustration in the area, since it was discovered that a company was applying for planning permission to open a new coffee house. This company, South West Coffee Ltd., is a franchisee of Costa Coffee; a subsidiary of the vast, Britain based multi-national 'Whitbread Group'. The original application was for the retail unit class that clearly didn't represent the intended function of the business, so was rejected. The subsequent application under the correct food and drink class was then rejected by BCC under the protective legislation. The business in question has appealed against this decision.
Under current planning law, it is perfectly legal for a unit to be fitted ready for business before any go-ahead regarding its operation has been granted. As this business has appealed against BCC's previous decision, they are further entitled to open and trade until such time that their planning appeal is rejected. This can take up to 6 months!
Green Party Cllr. Gus Hoyt of Ashley Ward has commented, "This is absolutely ridiculous. The subversive manner in which this business is operating, is in complete contempt of the local population and their elected representatives. I will be working to ensure that Costa Coffee's planning appeal is rejected, and in that instance require that they be fined a sum far greater than any profit that can be made in the intermediate period! I want to use this situation as an example to all those who try and act this way in future."
There was a strong Green presence at the protest of members, supporters and an elected representative. The Green Party supports small, local business all over the country. We want to be proactive in preventing the high-streets of the UK being overrun by large corporate entities. Local people should have greater democratic control over their local area and its services. Protests outside Costa Coffee will continue.