A COFFEE shop faced with closure threats for years, has lodged a formal application to continue trading, paving the way towards its acceptance.

Caffe Nero, In Epping High Street, had been faced with legal action unless it stopped trading as a cafe, ever since it set up without planning permission in 2006.

The District Council spent thousands of pounds fighting to place an enforcement notice on the business, but made a dramatic u-turn in May this year offering the cafe the chance of pitching a new planning application to councillors- something it had never previously been offered.

Caffe Nero has now formally submitted that application, which, if granted, will see it guaranteed its current spot on the high street.

Chairman of Epping Town Centre Partnership Barry Seager said he welcomed the move, and questioned why the council has spent so many years opposing the cafe.

He said: “It’s good for them to stay. The proof is there: if people didn’t want it they wouldn’t be using it. As long as they comply with planning regulations it’s ok to stay.

“I think really [the council] should have acted a lot sooner. It could have been dealt with a lot earlier, and less expensively. It’s dragged on so long and cost so much money.

“It’s just one of those things. About five years ago people said there were too many charity shops. Then it became too many coffee shops, but now we have a coffee culture and everyone uses them.”

Residents have until July 16 to register comments on the application with Epping Forest District Council after which it will be assigned to a planning meeting for discussion.