Planning row Costa coffee shop bosses win award
Bristol coffee shop bosses Stuart and Lynn Montgomery, who found themselves at the centre of a council planning row earlier this year, have been crowned as UK franchisees of the year by Costa Coffee.
It is the second year running that the couple, who run shops in Henleaze, Gloucester Road, Whiteladies Road and Portishead have won the award.
Earlier this year planning enforcement action against two of their Bristol shops was thrown out by an inspector.
They won an appeal against the city council, which claimed their company did not have the correct permission to operate its cafes in Gloucester Road and Whiteladies Road.
Enjoy one free child admission with a full paying adult ticket.
Terms: Not to be used in conjunction with any discounted ticket or special ticket offer. No cash alternative. Excludes Bank Holidays and Bank Holiday Weekends. Ref: This is Bristol Website Voucher
Contact: 01963 400330
Valid until: Friday, January 31 2014
The Montgomerys appealed against the enforcement notice, claiming they were not in breach of any planning rules.
They were awarded full costs in relation to the appeals, which must be paid by the council.
The couple, who live in Westbury-on-Trym, said it was their unique approach of a personal and family-oriented style of doing business which had "captured the hearts of their customers" and won them their award.
Mr Montgomery, an ex-British Army Junior Leader (Royal Engineers), said: “Our customers come for the wonderful coffee the relaxing and unrushed atmosphere and most of the all friendly and considerate staff. We always try to remember names and choice of drinks of our regular customers, really giving the personal touch.
"Swift and stress-free service is our number one priority and ensuring each customer is served a wonderful coffee or tea is essential.
“We are thrilled to have won the Franchisee of the Year award for the second year running. It’s a great feeling to know that all our hard work in Bristol is paying off. We put a lot of time and energy into making our shops a success and most importantly a part of the local community.”
The couple met in Thailand where Stuart lived and worked for 10 years opening a dozen franchise businesses employing more than 400 people.
Returning to the UK they continued to run franchise businesses and now hold the franchise from Costa Coffee for Bristol and the South West.
Comments
by BigDee2
Monday, October 22 2012, 7:46PM
“I don't recall anyone throwing all their toys out of their pram when the Subway (a monster US company) opened in Gloucester Road - not even the Bishopston Society!!!”
by BigDee2
Monday, October 22 2012, 7:46PM
“I don't recall anyone throwing all their toys out of their pram when the Subway (a monster US company) opened in Gloucester Road - not even the Bishopston Society!!!”
by BigDee2
Monday, October 22 2012, 7:13PM
“Morrissey9, good counter argument. However, I hate McDonalds and I enjoy my local Costa coffee. You said that other cafes have good coffee too (which is fair comment), but most of the other cafes are frankly tatty...”
by BigDee2
Monday, October 22 2012, 7:13PM
“Morrissey9, good counter argument. However, I hate McDonalds and I enjoy my local Costa coffee. You said that other cafes have good coffee too (which is fair comment), but most of the other cafes are frankly tatty...”
by Waybaloo
Monday, October 22 2012, 5:36PM
“oh look my comments are being deleted.
you were right lone_ranger.”
by Waybaloo
Monday, October 22 2012, 4:59PM
“Fox-Joe
1. Fact... the Inspector judged they did need consent
2. Fact.....In most instances you are correct , but thats doesnt make it fact for this instance . There are equally other cases around the country where such places are deemed to need permission( depends on their size and scale mostly) , this being one of them.
3 through to 7 ..no issues.”
by FOX_Joe
Monday, October 22 2012, 4:45PM
“1. The council were NOT correct in their assertion that planning was required. FACT.
2. In most counties across the UK Costa is allowed to trade as A1 and does NOT need to apply for change of use planning permission. FACT.
3. The council recommended these shops for approval. FACT.
4. The local councillors (majority LibDem) IGNORED planning LAW as advised by their own planning department. FACT
5. The council was then forced to defend a decision they did NOT agree with. FACT.
6. The council then lost the decision, as they knew they would and as they told the councillors they would from the outset. FACT
7. The council now has to repay the Montgomery's fees (plus pay their own significant costs) to defend a decision they did NOT make but had thrust on them by local LibDem councillors whom ignored the law. FACT.”
by Waybaloo
Monday, October 22 2012, 3:16PM
“BristolDJ
There is nowt wrong with getting retrospective consent I guess. But that wasn't the point of comments.
The biggest drum the Montgomeys keep banging on still, as is evident in this report again, they maintain they never needed planning permission in the first place, where in fact they did. Hence me asking BEP to get their facts right.”
by BristolDJ
Monday, October 22 2012, 2:38PM
“So in the long run, they would have consent granted regardless so the outcome was the same. That's basically what you just said. SO the process was to blame, as was found in court.
The outcome is no different and therefore rendering the whole thing a bit pointless!?”
by Lone_Ranger
Monday, October 22 2012, 1:21PM
“Go careful Waybaloo, I was contacted by the (BE)P, sent to naughty step and had my post deleted (even though it was accurate) after the proprieters complained when I pointed out very much the same in an earlier story.”