Costa Coffee remains undeterred by objectors after plans for three illuminated signs were refused.

Work has started at the former Whites of Kent shop and the chain has confirmed it will open at the end of July, despite Dover District Council refusing its application.

On Friday, June 19, DDC issued a refusal of advertisement consent for two externally illuminated fascia signs and one externally illuminated hanging sign on the former Whites of Kent shop in New Street.

This application has caused controversy in the town with many residents saying it would ruin the look of the medieval street scene.

A press spokesman for Costa said: “The recent planning application for signage has no impact on our franchise partners’ plans to open a new store in Sandwich in late July 2015. We are currently recruiting for up to eight jobs and looking for opportunities in the community to support local sports teams.

“A decision as to whether we will submit another application has not been decided on as yet. This will be reviewed by our franchise partner based on the concerns made as part of the planning application.”

It is believed a local businessperson will run Sandwich’s Costa and aim to integrate it into the community.

The spokesman added: “Work has started with the aim of providing our customers with a warm and welcoming environment.”

Kamlesh Singh, a designer from Architecture Design Limited drew up plans for the signs. He said he was surprised the application had been rejected.

Mr Singh said: “We had previously used these specifications on other heritage sites, or historically sensitive areas and they have been approved by other councils. We just have to have a re-think and take it forward.”

As previously reported in the Mercury, Costa has split opinion with some residents claiming it would be bad news for other businesses and others saying Sandwich should welcome investment rather than empty shops.

Dover District Council’s reason for refusing the signs was published on its website.

It read: “The proposed signage, by reason of the illumination, the method of illumination and the colouring of the advertisements would represent alien and jarring features on the existing building which would cause harm to visual amenity, the special character and appearance of this part of the conservation area and the setting of listed buildings contrary in particular to paragraph 67 of National Planning Policy Framework.”