Coffee chain accelerates drive-thru cafe proposal

The application to open premises at Corstorphine Retail Park was submitted by Costa Coffee. It would be the company’s 24th outlet in the city.

If approved, it would be the first drive-thru coffee shop in the Capital.

The development comes amid concerns over the number of coffee shops in the city.

Last month, Morningside Traders Association hit out at the decision by Costa to open a branch in Morningside Road over fears there were too many coffee shops in the area and that independent retailers would be harmed.

Ken Swinney, of Corstorphine Community Council, said: “It’s just my personal opinion, but I think a lot of residents would say they do not want that round here. People want a decent shop to go to.”

“To me, it’s non-starter to have it there. There’s a sit-in cafe over at Tesco just yards from where this place would be.”