Sandwich may have lost its voice on the Costa Coffee application after deferring any decision.

The town council met on Monday night but could not reach a decision on the proposed Costa in the former Whites of Kent building in New Street.

A motion against the illuminated signs failed as there wasn’t enough votes and another motion to defer until the full planning application was put forward, was passed.

However, Mayor of Sandwich, Cllr Paul Graeme, warned that there may not be a full planning application.

He said: “The existing owners are relying on an a1 use and don’t need to submit a further application.”

This means they may not need any change of use permission, leaving the signs as the only part the council, and the public, can have its say on.

After the meeting former councillor Simon Leith, of New Street, said he felt the council had now lost its voice.

He said: “I’m very disappointed. People think Dover’s not listening when it’s Sandwich not speaking.

“It shows a lack of understanding of the planning procedure.

“As far as I’m aware DDC waited for Sandwich Town Council comments – and they didn’t get any.”

Mr Leith is all for Costa coming to the town.

He said: “Non-progress is going to be the end of the town.

“If it were my decision to make, I would recommend to DDC planning that permission is granted but maintain the council’s stance on lighting, make it subject to the removal of lighting scheme for the facade and suspended signage.

“I have three daughters in their 20s and they are looking forward to Costa.

“They don’t use the independents.

“It will attract a different age group.”

He said a deferral will work in Costa’s favour and added: “I’m looking forward to my first cup of Costa coffee in Sandwich.”

Newly-elected Cllr Michael John Holloway spoke for the first time at the council meeting on Monday.

He said: “Costa will be good for visitors and more importantly provide a place for younger residents to meet, with free wi-fi and space for mums with prams. There isn’t anywhere in Sandwich that offers that.”

Cllr Holloway said most of the independent cafes close at 4pm, and often shops will close on a Wednesday or Saturday afternoon.

He said: “Our town is dying. Footfall is at an all time low.

“Costa’s interest in Sandwich is an opportunity which we should seize.”

Cllr David Wood met with a group of residents in Sandwich South earlier in the week and fed back some of their comments.

There were concerns about the abundance of cafes, to the reality that Costa is better than an empty shop. Many younger people told him they would like to use Costa rather than an independent cafe.

He also explained some mentioned the opportunity for jobs and competitive salaries but others said as many jobs would be lost from the competition.

Other councillors were strongly against the application for not being in-keeping with the town.

The deferral will now be sent to Dover District Council.