It’s coming whether they like it or not – and some residents really don’t like it.
Starbucks will soon open a new coffee shop in a former pub in Fulford, York.
The US chain won planning permission to take over The Bay Horse in Main Street last month.
Now applicant 23.5 Degrees Limited is asking for permission to put up the well-known Starbucks branding on the former pub.
This includes a 7.6m fascia sign and two signs with the mermaid logo.
The application has led to comments from neighbours in Fulford. One said “adding another chain within the local area is not needed and will harm the local businesses.
“It will also add unwanted pressure and congestion on the local infrastructure, that is beyond breaking point.”
Another said: “Main Street has been lucky to not to have any illuminated signs or large businesses moving in, and especially on such an old and beautiful building, this would spoil the nature of the village.
“There is a Starbucks at the designer center and you can get coffee at Yorvine, just across the road, The Plough, The Pavilion hotel, Sunny’s, Kawa House, Broadway 52 and Busk. All popular, local and in keeping with the area.”
And a third added: “The traffic problems it will cause will be horrible.
“I totally object to the opening of another major coffee outlet in the town. A local café is opposite in the Yorvine and another independent has just opened a 100 yards away on the same side of the road!! Why another franchise site?”
But others backed the arrival of Starbucks. “Nice to see they’re not proposing modern signage which wouldn’t be in keeping with the area. I like it,” one said.
Another supporter added: “Looking forward to visiting this new Starbucks. This is exactly what we need. Finally a family-friendly local coffee shop.”
And a third simply said: “Can’t wait for my first coffee.”
You can read and comment on the planning application here.