A STORM is brewing over a new Inverclyde Costa Coffee outlet — after a Port councillor poured cold water over the plans.

The Tele revealed recently how the coffee shop will be situated within the new Next store which is currently under construction at the Port Glasgow Retail Park, above.

But SNP councillor Jim MacLeod has spoken out against the new coffee outlet and called for a local business to be given a shot at the prime spot.

He feels it is ‘overkill’ to have another Costa Coffee at the retail park just metres from the existing drive-through and near to Tesco, which also has a Costa franchise within the supermarket.

Jim said: “I think it’s too much to have three Costa Coffee shops at the one retail park.

“It’s almost like a monopoly.

“In the past I have raised the issue of too many fast food outlets and bookmakers within close proximity of each other as a matter of over provision, so to have not two but three of the same coffee outlets within yards of each other also seems a bit much.”

Councillor MacLeod is so concerned that he has voiced his concerns with Inverclyde Council planning bosses.

He added: “I have written to the head of planning services regarding the new franchise within Next.

“It would be good if, instead of another Costa, we saw another business moving in.

“Perhaps Next could see if there were any local businesses in Inverclyde who would like to take the franchise out?

“It would be good to give retailers the opportunity and offer customers more choice.”

The Port councillor says he raised the issue after it was raised with him by one of his constituents.