CAMPAIGNERS opposed to cafe chain Costa coming to Minehead were dealt a blow this week when planning officers recommended the firm be given permission to open in the former Blockbuster store.

The food and drink giant needs planning permission from West Somerset Council to convert the town's redundant video rental store into a coffee shop and takeaway outlet.

But as reported last week, existing cafe and restaurant owners fear the proposal could decimate business and have written to the council opposing the plans.

Minehead Conservation Society has also objected to Costa's proposal, telling the district council there are already enough cafes in Minehead.

It believes the Blockbuster site is in a prime location and should be used for other retail purposes.

"Our main objection is that a premises in this position should be used to sell items that are necessary for daily living or products that create cultural and creative interest for tourists and residents," the society has told the council.

"The proliferation of eating and drinking places is sapping the life and vibrancy out of our town centres.

"The firm [Costa] states that it can only be a good thing for the town for them to come.

"Our society does not take kindly to being told by agents of national companies, who appear to think that West Somerset Council is a soft touch, what is best for our town.

"Under the Localism Bill, locals are supposed to be able to determine what they think is most appropriate for their environment."

In all, the district council has received 52 letters of objection and ten letters supporting Costa's application.

Minehead Town Council has supported the proposal, while town centre vision manager Stephen Hooper has told district council officers the arrival of Costa could draw more people into the town centre and provide competition for existing establishments.

Costa has applied to West Somerset Council to have a mix of A1 and A3 uses at 2 Wellington Square, combining a sit-in cafe with takeaway sandwiches, drinks and paninis.

The takeaway sales would count towards an A1 use of the shop, which falls under a prime use under both local and national planning policies.

The cafe side is classed as A3, something not permitted by the district council in Minehead's "prime shopping area" unless "it does not cause demonstrable harm to the vitality and viability of the town centre as a whole".

In a report due to be discussed at next Thursday's meeting of the council's planning committee, officers are recommending councillors approve the application.

The report states: "It is noted that many representations have been received objecting to a chain taking over the unit and that being a chain and being the same use as other shops in Minehead town centre could lead to the closure of these shops.

"It is not the role of the planning system, however, to control competition and it cannot control if the user is a corporate business or an independent business."

Costa is promising to create between eight and ten full-time jobs and said the new cafe would help to bring "vitality and vibrancy" to the town centre.

The firm sells hot and cold drinks, as well as sandwiches and paninis to either eat in or takeaway.

The proposed Minehead store would have seating for 52 people inside, plus an outside seating area with a further 16 chairs and eight tables.

The Blockbuster store has been vacant since May last year when the video chain went into administration.