I am writing to correct the false impression about developments at the Starbucks branch in Blackheath given to Mark Long (Give us a Break, January 12).

The council is seeking to ensure this site is brought into retail use and not as a cafe with inadequate facilities.

Starbucks was refused planning permission to operate a cafe at this particular site a decision widely supported and has been upheld by the Government planning inspector at a recent public enquiry. Allowing a cafe to operate from this location would have been a clear breach of our planning policies; it would effectively destroy the village as a shopping area.

Cllr Gavin Moore
Deputy Mayor