COSTA Coffee has been given the green light to open a new coffee shop in Leigh Broadway.

The coffee giants plan to open their doors at an amusement arcade at 37 Leigh Broadway, on the corner of West Street.

Members of Southend Council’s development control committee voted by ten votes to four to approve the plans, following the advice of officers.

The new two-storey branch, in Leigh Cliff Conservation Area, includes pavement seating on The Broadway from 8am to 8pm.

Plans to put seating on the West Street side were dropped after objections from Southend Council’s highways department who felt it would clutter up the pavement.

Some councillors were unhappy with the growth of coffee shops in Leigh and were worried about the impact of the chain’s arrival on smaller, independent businesses along The Broadway.

James Clinkscales (Lib Dem, Blenheim Park) : “I’m very concerned we will see another giant outfit coming into our little Leigh.

“It’s obviously going to affect the footfall into other cafes and restaurants on The Broadway.”

Chris Walker (Con, Eastwood Park) added: “One more coffee shop is one more too many, “We will end up with the whole of The Broadway being coffee shops for wasters.

“There will be no retail left.”

But Dr Vel (Ind, Westborough) said: “This is excellent for The Broadway and I support it.”

Independent traders were unhappy when the plans were first revealed earlier this month.

One neighbour also wrote a letter of objection.