COSTA Coffee looks set to be given the go ahead to open a coffee shop in Leigh.

Planning officers at Southend Council are recommending approval of the scheme for a new Costa Coffee at an amusement arcade, formerly a newsagent, at 37 Leigh Broadway.

The proposal, which falls within the Leigh Cliff Conservation Area, includes pavement seating and would be over two floors.

No objections from neighbours were received by the council, although independent coffee shops were unhappy when the plans were first revealed earlier this month.

Peter Wexham, Southend councillor for Leigh ward, also believes the outdoor seating would make the pavements congested.

He said: “We already have three coffee shops in the area. It just seems to be one after another that shops are being changed into cafes. We seem to be losing out on shops, which we need.”

However a report to the council’s development control committee, which meets on January 5, say the outdoor seating is not considered to have any detrimental impact on the area and barriers will be provided between the seating and the pedestrian highway.

Conditions would be placed on when the seating could be used.