Café chain Costa Coffee is set to win council backing for its plan to open a new outlet in
The Birmingham suburb is famed for its support of independent businesses but council planning officers have recommended Costa's application to convert the former Barclays at 19 St Mary's Row be approved.
The national to renovate the interior of the old bank, which to create space for 65 customers across the ground and first floors, creating around ten full-time jobs.
READ MORE: {}
It was immediately met with opposition on social media from people keen to see independents thrive in Moseley, echoing a similar reaction to when restaurant group Boston Tea Party announced its plans to open there in 2016.
Members of the city council's planning committee will debate the application at their next meeting on December 17 but a report warns that Costa's status as a corporate chain is not a matter for planning policy.
It said: "A large number of objections received refer to the fact the applicant is Costa and Moseley is known for its independent businesses, including independent coffee shops.
"However, the individual operator of a business is not a material planning consideration, only the land use can be taken into consideration.
"One of the local objectives of the Moseley Supplementary Planning Document is to 'Promote the centre as a focus for independent traders'.
Most Read
"However, this is not a policy but seeks to positively encourage independent traders and does not preclude larger, chain businesses locating in Moseley.
"In response, the applicant has provided additional supporting information including appeal decisions issued in relation to a similar case in Bristol in 2012."
In that case, an inspector stated it was not the role of the planning system to control competition and influence whether an end user was corporate or independent.
Sixteen letters of objection were received by Birmingham City Council.
They said the suburb already had six coffee shops and a new Costa could impact existing businesses, a national chain was not in keeping with the area and there was already a Costa in nearby Kings Heath.
Concerns were also raised over the potential for an increased levels of waste with customers taking drinks away.