A BLACK cab will become a borough coffee bar after Thurrock planners said an application could go full steam ahead.

Thurrock Nub News reported in October on the plan to site the converted cab on land in Chafford Hundred near All Saints Church on Drake Road and the bid has proved successful.

Planning officers acknowledged there were issues of competition with another nearby established business.

They said: "It was highlighted that the proposal, may result in a negative impact upon the nearby café given a similar service is to be provided. However, upon consideration the existing café provides hot food and indoor seating, therefore the service and use it provided differs significantly from the predominantly coffee provider proposed within this current application.

"On balance the proposal should not create a significantly detrimental impact upon custom to the café and there would be no planning reason to refuse this application on the basis of competition."

It was also acknowledged that the proposal would generate waste and there were concerns in regards to litter at the site. However, the applicant has confirmed that they will maintain the surrounding area and that waste and litter will be disposed of correctly. Therefore, there is no objection regarding the proposal.

In summary the assessment said the scale of the proposal would not conflict with the objectives of the predominantly residential area which has some local amenities in the close vicinity. The proposal would not be objectionable in principle subject to compliance with Development Management Policies.