Starbucks in 'difficult scenario' (From Harrow Times)

Starbucks in 'difficult scenario'

5:36pm Thursday 6th March 2008

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A COFFEE shop has been left in a "difficult scenario" after Harrow Council rejected its latest application.

Brian Waring, marketing director for Starbucks, today blamed the lack of a clear definition of how a coffee shop should be classified.

He said: "In some instances, coffee shops operate under A1 permission, some as mixed use A1 and A3, and some as A3.

"Starbucks therefore encounters the difficult scenario whereby local authorities interpret the guidance in different ways."

The American-based company has run into difficulties with residents in Pinner and Harrow Council over its new branch in High Street, Pinner.

Its application to keep its new sign and shop front was rejected by the council on Wednesday, February 27.

This followed a previous rejected application for a certificate of existing use, when the chain was told it needed A3' permission to operate.

The coffee shop open in November last year, but without changing the use of the premises, which used to be a bookshop.

Its newly erected shop front and sign has been branded "out of character for Pinner" and "shoddy" by councillors on the planning committee, after several complaints from residents keen to preserve the high street's conservation area status.

Starbucks has pledged to work closely with the council to resolve the matter, and will now be exploring its options.

But the council has said it will enforce its decisions and could close the coffee shop if it fails to get proper planning permission.

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