Developers for Costa Coffee in Sandwich have launched an appeal against a rejected planning application.

The chain is pushing the district council to allow it to have illuminated signs for the coffee shop in New Street after the proposals were declined.

Meanwhile, alternative plans have been drawn up to which Sandwich Town Council has no objection.

Dover District Council has rejected the Costa application, claiming it would be out of keeping with the medieval street scene.

However, developer Architect Design then submitted a new application for non-illuminated signs and a wooden shop front which architect Kamlesh Singh said met the requirements laid out by the district council.

At a meeting last Monday town councillors raised no objections to this.

The Secretary of State will make the decision on the appeal.

Business owner Steve Laslett, who owns the Sandwich Shop, near to Costa, said: “I would prefer to see innovative, lively independent outlets in Sandwich.

“However, Costa has every right to open.

“I just hope that they draw more visitors into Sandwich so that existing businesses don’t suffer, which I fear they will.

“We will keep the Sandwich Shop distinctly different and hope that our customers stay loyal, especially since the profits go back to the community.”