Controversies
In 2011 it was reported that two Costa Coffee outlets in Bristol had opened without correct planning permission. An investigation into whether a third Costa coffee shop in north Bristol has opened without the correct planning permission has been launched in January 2012.
The planning appeals against the refusal of planning permission and enforcement action were upheld by an independent government appointed Inspector on 14th August 2012, who also awarded full costs against Bristol City Council in relation to one of the stores. The decision received criticism from councillors across the political spectrum.
In 2012, Costa faced opposition by a majority of its residents to its plans to open an outlet in Totnes, Devon. However, an open letter was issued by Costa in conjunction with local authorities to state that because of the unique nature of the town and local pressure, they had decided to pull out.
Also in 2012, residents in Southwold tried to campaign against the opening of a Costa coffee shop in their town. Planners turned down the original planning application by Costa, but controversially, awarded planning permission on appeal.
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