THE controversial Costa planning application for Crediton high street will be measured against the council’s planning policies in determining whether to approve or refuse the application and I have previously made out the case for refusing the application.

There is however a strong argument in favour of allowing the change of use.

Another part of the council’s planning policy seeks to allow development and change of use of ground floor premises to alternative uses where it would improve the vitality and viability of the primary shopping area.

A Costa coffee shop would be an attractive addition to Crediton’s high street, particularly if a refusal resulted in the eyesore that No. 28 is, continuing – and bear in mind this large building has been up for sale for several years. Costa’s opening will almost treble the A3 seating in the primary shopping area and to be a commercial success therefore Costa will need to generate business that does not currently exist.

If they are successful this will result in increased footfall in the high street which is bound to benefit its “vitality and viability”.

On this basis therefore the application should be approved.

If the scheme as proposed is implemented it will cut off independent access to the first and second floors of this large building.

I therefore believe the scheme should be modified to provide a doorway through the existing window on the west side of the frontage to provide access to the upper floors.

This would present the opportunity to redevelop these spaces into residential accommodation or perhaps the much talked about cultural hub for Crediton.

Keith Mortimer

Searle Street

Crediton.