TAVISTOCK is to get a new coffee shop in Church Lane, despite concerns there are already too many in the town.

Two letters of objection were sent to West Devon Borough Council's planning committee by residents who felt there were already enough cafés and coffee shops in and around Tavistock. They felt approval for the latest planning application would lead to a loss of the mixture of businesses and would adversely effect the vibrant high street.

However, West Devon Borough Council said it was not felt another coffee shop would have an adverse effect on the core shopping area of Tavistock, and the authority was unable to restrict the number of this type of proposal in the town on the basis of controlling competition.

The site is located on Church Lane, and is immediately adjacent to St Eustachius Church and the graveyard. The building is currently used as a retail shop supplying internal fixtures and fittings for buildings.

Members of the borough council's planning committee meeting on Tuesday, April 2, granted permission subject to the limiting of opening hours from 8am-9pm, and the premises only being used as a café and coffee shop.