Costa Coffee 'regrets' Bristol stores planning row
Two branches of Costa Coffee in Bristol that were accused of breaching planning rules can continue to trade.
Bristol City Council served enforcement notices against the branches in Gloucester Road and Whiteladies Road.
But Stuart and Lynn Montgomery, the outlets' franchisees, claimed they were not in breach of any planning rules.
Three appeals at a recent public inquiry were upheld by a planning inspector and the stores can now continue to trade.
The planning inspector felt that the opening of both branches would not undermine the retail function of the areas in which they were located.
A Costa spokesperson said: "Costa Coffee is delighted to have received approval for the two sites in Bristol.
"Initially opening without planning permission is something we very much regret, our policy has been reinforced to ensure this does not happen again."
Mr Montgomery said he was delighted with the outcome of the appeal.
"The enforcement notice was not founded on valid planning reasons," he said.
"We can now look forward to operating both shops which we plan to develop into important social hubs for the community."