Does Brighton need another Starbucks?
27 May 2008
Around fifty people attended a protest organised outside the new Starbucks cafe on Brighton’s St James’s Street on the day it opened (Saturday 24 May).
Read Ben Duncan's GreenVoice: 'Why I don't believe Brighton needs another Starbucks'
link www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk/h/n/campaigns/home/all/536//
The St James's Street outlet is the fourth Starbucks to open in Brighton.
Organised by local Green councillors, the protest highlighted Starbucks’ flouting of local planning laws by opening for business even though its planning application to convert a former stationery store into a cafe had been rejected by councillors.
The company has said it will appeal to Government planning inspectors.
Queens Park Green councillor Rachel Fryer said, “That a company can commence building works, and even theoretically open for business, before they have permission to do so, makes a farce of the planning system.
Rachel explained that flaws in the planning system has meant the firm has already done much of the work – and already caused significant disturbance to local residents.
“The building works have caused a great deal of disruption in the last few weeks, obstructing St James's Street and closing neighbouring roads for Southern water to increase water supplies to the building.
“That someone can commence building works, and even theoretically open for business, before they have permission to do so makes a farce of the planning system.
"It undermines the power of communities and elected local councils,” Rachel explained.
Read Ben Duncan's GreenVoice: on why Brighton doesn't need another Starbucks.
link
www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk/h/n/campaigns/home/all/536//
Notes to editors:
Media: for more information please contact Lizzie Deane Green Party External Communications Coordinator on 07931 231390.[ENDS]
