A bid to open a drive-through Costa Coffee in Dumbarton has been refused – over concerns it would turn the town into a "service station".

At least 431 people had objected to the application for the coffee shop at 36 Glasgow Road, next to the Morrisons supermarket on Glasgow Road on the grounds of noise, disturbance, increased traffic and invasion of privacy. 

A planning application from Trilogy (Leamington Spa) Ltd was presented to members of the planning committee at West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) on Wednesday. 

The applicant argued that the development would be on under-used land at the Morrisons store and that the impact on the town centre would be minimal.

They also estimated that 15 full-time or part-time job opportunities would be available to those living in Dumbarton as well as link jobs in construction and local suppliers.

But members of the local community said that there was already an over provision of businesses like this in the area.

And WDC officials also recommended that permission should be refused.

Speaking to councillors at Wednesday’s meeting, one objector, Mrs Daly, said: “There is already a coffee shop as you come into Dumbarton at Milton. There is also a Costa and Starbucks at the Lomondgate roundabout.

“Morrisons itself has a coffee shop and restaurant, and you can buy coffee in the garage.

"There are far too many of these types of business and I just feel it would be detrimental to local businesses.

“This is not for the local people but for people coming from outwith the area. You would not just jump in the car to go for a coffee if you were local.

"This is turning Dumbarton into a service station, and will bring nothing but grief to the area.

“The road won’t be able to be sustained and I think this application should be refused.”

Concerns were also raised about increased traffic adding to the danger for pedestrians.

A report from the council's planning department said the application should be refused on the basis that it would have a “detrimental impact” on Dumbarton town centre.

The report also advised that granting permission would be likely to encourage more use of private vehicles and would go against the aim of encouraging 'active travel'.

SNP councillor and council leader Jonathan McColl said: “I am going to move to refuse the application for the reasons outlined in the report.

“I am not going to say much about it. The presentations from the objectors were excellent and outlined the issues I hope we all have about this proposal.”

Seconding the motion, Councillor Diane Docherty added: “I am happy to agree with Councillor McColl on that one. I support the local community.

"There is a Costa Coffee on the main street and there are two drive-throughs right next to it.

“I am happy to vote with the recommendation to refuse.”