A New Addington grocery store is set to be replaced by a Costa Coffee.

Vitamin Grocery in 17 Central Parade will be no more, as the coffee chain cited a need to include more "leisure and entertainment facilities" in the town centre as a reason why planning permission should be granted.

In a design and access statement submitted to Croydon Council as part of the process, Costa wrote that: "With regards to the level of activity associated with the application and the impact on the vitality of the area, figures published in 2014 in a report by industry analysts, Allegra Strategies, show that British high streets are enjoying significant economic and social benefits brought by the rise of branded and independent coffee shops.

"The report draws on research with over 2,000 consumers and local businesses.

"The role of coffee shops on the High Street 2014 report demonstrates that the presence of coffee shops typically boost local high street economies by 2 to 4 per cent through a combination of increased footfall and dwell time.

"Footfall studies show that branded coffee shops can increase high street footfall by up to 28 per cent. 52 per cent of consumers interviewed for the study are more likely to shop for longer when there are coffee shops nearby."

There were two objections to the coffee shop coming to town, with the impact of the health of local residents and the impact on local businesses the reasons given for opposition.

The council did not believe these objections warranted the scrapping of the proposal however.

The proposal is considered acceptable in principle and as detailed above will not create an additional hot food takeaway," a council officer wrote.

"Although the council understands the position of local businesses, this is not a planning consideration for this application where the proposal is in accordance with the most relevant planning

policies."

There is no word yet on when the Costa will be open for business.