SHOPKEEPERS have raised concern over plans by coffee shop firm Starbucks to open a branch in Headington, Oxford.

It is believed the company is considering taking over the site of bridal store Pronuptia in London Road.

But traders are worried it will lead to a loss of vital retail space that is protected under the local plan.

According to the local plan, 65 per cent of the outlets in Headington have to be set aside for A1 retail use.

James Bloice Smith, of the Headington Action Group, said: "The critical issue is that you keep a sufficiently mixed shopping centre to attract people to the area.

"If people think that they cannot get what they want, then they will start going to other areas and, at present, cafes and restaurants dominate Headington.

"We have already lost our butchers, our greengrocers and our cycle shop. Every time we lose these kind of shops, there is less to attract people to the area."

'The critical issue is that you keep a sufficiently mixed shopping centre to attract people to the area' Jill Cummings, who runs Time and Elegance jewellers on Windmill Road, was also unhappy at Starbucks' plans to locate one of its stores in Headington.

Mrs Cummings said: "How can we maintain the number of A1 retail shops in the local community when they are being allowed to change use with such ease?"

Martin Young, chairman of the Headington Hill Residents' Association, said: "Every time I see another cafe or coffee shop opening in Headington I wonder how they are going to survive there are that many of them.

"Everywhere in Headington retail outlets are changing into eating or drinking outlets, with A1 retail outlets going to A3 food outlets."

A spokesman for Starbucks said: "We're really excited to be opening a new store in London Road in Headington and are looking forward to becoming part of the community here.

"Our plan is to open towards the end of the year and to employ around 14 partners (employees)."

But Headington residents have spoken of their desire to protect the balance between retail and food outlets.

Patrick Johnson, 28, of Lime Walk, said: "Personally, I would rather not see Starbucks opening a store here in Headington.

"We need a good butchers or a book shop. Headington is becoming swamped with food outlets, charity shops and estate agents."

While Hannah Stevenson, 33, of Bateman Street, said: "I would much rather see a clothes shop or a music shop opening than Starbucks.

"You can find a Starbucks in any city, in pretty much any part of the world. It will detract from the individuality of the area."

A spokesman for Oxford City Council said: "If it is an A3 use it would require planning permission, which would have to be considered very carefully against our policy."