Costa has withdrawn its planning application for a town centre cafe in Faversham.

The Faversham News can exclusively reveal that after months of applications, protests and debate, the coffee giants have abandoned their plans for 12 Market Place.

They announced the news just 24 hours after rumours flared after furniture was reportedly seen being moved into the property.

The planning application was due before Swale Borough Council's planning committee on Thursday, February 19, but didn't appear on the agenda.

Today (Monday), a Costa spokesman confirmed that the plans had been withdrawn. They said: “Having got into the real detail of the plans and relevant policy with planning officers during discussions on the application, it became clear at that point that there would be limited flexibility to achieve a planning change of use.

"We have therefore withdrawn our application and wish the site’s owners well in identifying and securing an alternative occupier so that this unit can have a successful new lease of life.”

The spokesman also said that the decision follows "detailed assessment of the deliverability of the unit for a combined retail and restaurant use".

The decision follows months of protests from the community and debate between individuals as to whether the coffee chain should move into the town centre.

Costa will continue to trade from its unit in Tesco.

Others with their eye on the spot include Faversham man Oliver Sebastien who revealed his plans in the Faversham News earlier this year.

What do you think of this decision? What would you like to see happen to 12 Market Place? Leaves your comment below.