ABERYSTWYTH Town Council has hit out over planning applications for signs and change of use by a leading coffee chain - despite its Aberystwyth branch being open for several months.

Caffè Nero, which took the place of the former Game store in Great Darkgate Street, has two applications lodged with Ceredigion council’s planning department regarding its signage, awning, interior and use.

Despite not currently having permission for its signs, or even for use as a coffee shop, the branch has been open and serving customers since the end of May.

On Wednesday, members of the council’s Development Control Committee backed a recommendation by planning officers to approve a change of use for the site.

It is coming before members four months after the branch opened.

In its response to the application, Aberystwyth Town Council said: “The town council does not object to the application but is aware that the business has been running for a few months.  

“The council strongly objects to retrospective planning applications.”

A different application, referring to changes to the interior and shopfront and signage which have already been made, received a similar response from the council.

Aberystwyth council “expressed disappointment that the application is retrospective”, but that applications are also likely to be recommended for approval by planners.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

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