After considerable success shaming (originally covered by Sprudge here), the folks at Costa Coffee will not opening up shop in the British quirk capital of Totnes. The city council was totes cool with it, but the city folk themselves were totes against it and Costa decided it didn’t want to draw swords with the Totnes townies. More from Auntie Beeb:
South Hams District Council had approved plans by Costa Coffee to open in Fore Street, Totnes.
But in a letter, Chris Rogers, managing director of Costa, said the company had “recognised the strength of feeling” against national brands in the town.
The anti-Costa movement is predictably delighted over at the official “No To Costa” blog:
We are absolutely delighted to hear from Costa Coffeeโs Managing Director, Chris Rogers, of their decision to withdraw from Totnes. We are impressed Costa has taken the time to understand our town, its economy and the 5,700 people who signed the petition asking Costa to reconsider.
This is a major milestone for local communities and is a day when the value of localism comes into its own, albeit belatedlyโฆ Unfortunately, weโre now left with a situation where planning has been granted for change of use. Weโd encourage South Hams District Council to learn the lesson that Costa Coffee has had to correct. If localism means communities have the right to decide what happens in their towns, its time for planners to understand this as well.
Do you think Costagate was a win for independent shops worldwide? Do you think Costa should have been able to open shop? Sound off in the comments below!
