A coffee chain has been ordered to reinstate its original doors after residents claimed its modern replacements were “out of character” with the area.

When Gail’s originally applied for planning permission to convert the historic grade II listed building on Lewes’ High Street into a coffee shop, the plans did not include removal of the property’s original timber door. Despite not having permission, Gail’s removed the door and replaced it with glass doors.

After being ordered to reinstate the original door, the chain applied for planning permission to retain the replacements.

The building was formerly a Natwest, shown here with the original timber doorThe building was formerly a Natwest, shown here with the original timber door (Image: Google Maps/Streetview) Objections to the application slammed the replacement doors as “cheap and not in keeping with the style and prominence of the building” and lambasted the coffee shop as having a “cavalier attitude” which showed a “blatant disregard for the heritage of the building and the historic character of this part of the Lewes Conservation Area.”

There was some disquiet about the arrival of Gail's, with many residents of the picturesque town, known for its independent shops, unhappy to see a chain on the High Street.

On October 9, Lewes Town Council rejected the application, much to the relief of several disgruntled residents.

Lewes Town Councillor Kevin West said: "I welcome the decision to reject Gail's speculative application to remove the historic door on the Grade II listed building they occupy. 

“The building is in a beautiful and historic part of the County Town of Lewes. They should not have removed the door without permission and they need to put it back quickly."