PLANS to open a branch of a national coffee chain in Haxby have been criticised by local business owners and residents who say the town doesn’t need another café.

Costa Coffee hopes to open a 66-seat café in Ryedale Court, but Phil Clayton, whose bakery and delicatessen store, Food For Thought, is situated next door to the empty unit, said it would ruin local businesses.

“In Haxby we have got three existing cafés including one run by the Methodist church. All of these are about 30 seaters,” he said.

“I’m classed as a bakery but a large quantity of my business overlaps in terms of takeaway.”

Mr Clayton, 40, said his products were made using as many local products as possible and questioned whether Costa had the same commitment.

The planning application, which was submitted to City of York Council on April 8, has already attracted a number of written complaints including one from Simon Hall, of Haxby, who wrote that it was “unfair to allow a corporate giant to move in and ruin” businesses in the town.”

Another resident, Sarah Dixon, wrote: “Please let our shops remain as free of chains and big business as possible, to retain the unique character of Haxby.”

A spokesman for Costa said: “As everyone is very much aware, the number of empty shops in Britain is doubling and consumers are spending away from the high street in out -of-town retail parks and on the internet. We strongly believe that coffee shops like Costa have a role to play in local investment and employment.

“We are confident that branded chain stores can and do work well alongside independent retailers. When we open in a new location we do all we can to integrate ourselves with the local community, getting involved with events, providing the store as a meeting space and helping with fundraising. Subject to approval, we would do so in Haxby as well.”