STARBUCKS has been granted permission to open a coffee shop in West Wickham High Street despite objections from residents and shoppers.

Members of the West Wickham Residents' Assocation are concerned by the increasing number of shops being replaced by cafes and restaurants in their high street.

This follows permission being granted to Starbucks Coffee Co Ltd by Bromley Council to take over the premises of what was a Millwoods shoe shop.

The decision was made at a council plans sub-committee meeting on Thursday. (Mar 6)

This brings the number of food and drink establishments in the high street to 19.

The residents' association, which represents around 8,500 people living in West Wickham, claim this is harmful to the integrity of the shopping area.

Chairman of the association, Richard Douglas, said: "We have been increasingly concerned that change of use' applications needed to allow retail' shops to be converted to cafes and restaurants are chipping away at the integrity of the shopping area and if unchecked, this will lead to the total decline of the shopping area.

"We believe that most of the local residents wish to see a vibrant shopping area maintained and thus a balance needs to be struck between the number of cafes, restaurants and retail units."

Chairman of the plans sub-committee, Councillor Katy Boughey, says people's objections were taken into account.

She said: "We felt the Starbucks would possibly be of benefit in attracting customers to the area.

"The committee felt that because of the hours of operation being compatible with retail hours that it would be complementary to the surrounding area."

West Wickham Councillor Brian Humphrys says he was concerned about the integrity of the shopping area but that Starbucks was an exception.

He said: "There's a difference with Starbucks as it's open all day, so the retail aspect of the high street is not lost.

"I understand the residents' association's objections but I don't agree in this case."

A spokesman for Starbucks said: "We're really excited to be opening a new Starbucks coffee house on West Wickham High Street and are looking forward to becoming part of the community.

"Our plan is to open in the summer and to employ around 14 Starbucks partners (what we call employees) from the local area.

"We hope the store will be a real asset to the neighbourhood, offering somewhere, between work and home, where people can relax with family and friends over a great cup of coffee."

  • Are you worried by the number of food and drink establishments in your high street? Are they harming the integrity of your shopping area? Leave your comments below.