Councillors To Decide Fate Of Controversial Coffee Shop

American coffee giants Starbucks could be forced to shut its divisive Pinner branch if councillors heed recommendations and refuse planning permission.

The cafe, at 19-23 High Street, Pinner, has been a cause of consternation for residents angry at what they believe is an erosion of the unique identity of the historic village.

But an officer's report to this evening's (Wednesday's) strategic planning committee advises members to reject Starbucks' application to continue to use the premises as a coffee shop, as it has done since 2007.

The official believes the proposal would result in "unacceptable loss of retail frontage, leading to a loss of vitality of the shopping parade and Pinner District Centre as a whole".

This is the second time the multi-national business has tried to legitimise its coffee house after the first application, for retrospective planning permission to convert the ground floor of the premises from retail to coffee shop, was refused by the council in February.