Shoppers and traders are fearing a big brand invasion after coffee giant Starbucks won a controversial planning battle.

The decision to allow the American chain to continue trading in St James’s Street, Brighton, despite flouting planning laws has been branded a ‘slap in the face’ by campaigners.

They believe the decision - which comes just weeks after a similar win by supermarket Tesco - could lead to multinationals deliberately ignoring planning law in the future.

And they claim even when faced with opposition from councils, the companies employ huge legal teams to fight their battles, potentially putting independent businesses at risk.

Jon Barrenechea, who has led the anti-Starbucks campaign, said the decision was a worrying step towards the city becoming a ‘clone town’.

Meanwhile councillor Rachel Fryer, who was also heavily involved in the campaign, said: “Once again, it’s a victory for big business over local people.”

The St James’s Street Starbucks branch has been open since May last year despite being refused permission by Brighton and Hove City Council.

This led to weekly protests and a petition signed by thousands of campaigners.

But Starbucks bosses appealed against the council's decision and the cafe remained open while the appeal process was underway.

Campaigners spoke out after it was revealed yesterday (Weds) that a planning inspector had ruled the branch must be granted planning permission as it did not adversely affect the “vitality and viability” of St James's Street.

The decision came after supermarket giant Tesco took the city council to court in April after being refused permission for an alcohol licence at its new Express store in St James’s Street.

The council had refused the store a licence because the branch is in the cumulative impact zone, meaning that any prospective licensees must prove that their selling alcohol will not add to the area's problems.

But the firm’s legal team had the decision overturned.

Mr Barrenechea said: “I think we were listened to but we weren't heard.

“The inspector didn't acknowledge any of the local issues which were raised by councillors, community groups and the thousands of people who signed our petition as well as those who spoke at the hearing.

“Planning law can't exist in a bubble. It is meant to protect the vitality of towns and shopping districts but if you are not going to listen to the concerns of the people who live and shop there then what is the point in having the process in the first place.”

Green ward Coun Fryer said: “This is a slap in the face for the thousands of local people who have campaigned against giving Starbucks planning permission.”

She added: “Our objections have been ignored. Once again, it’s a victory for big business over local people.

“Greens have been calling for years to protect communities against the negative impacts of huge chain stores like this.

“We urgently need stronger planning law to ensure that in David versus Goliath battles such as this, local people are better able to defend their communities.”

Roger Cross, owner of the Hot Potato Café in St James's Street said: “As soon as Starbucks put in their appeal I knew they wouldn't lose.

“They have got the money to pay for lawyers and to fight it.”

Tim Hume, who runs the Red Roaster café maintained the decision did not really affect him.

He said: “It's not really a problem and it won't do us any harm.

“I'm surprised that they won though.

“It did seem as though they were clearly in breach of the planning guidelines but they are welcome to do business in St James's Street.

“We do sympathise with the protesters but we hope that people will vote with their feet.”

Councillor Lynda Hyde, chairman of the council’s planning committee, said: “We’re massively disappointed. We’ve used every weapon available to us to try to stop this.”

A Starbucks spokeswoman said in a statement: “We are pleased with the decision of the Planning Inspectorate and are delighted to be able to continue to provide the Starbucks experience to our Brighton customers.

“We believe that Starbucks St James’s Street coffee-house makes a positive contribution to the local area, and we want to continue to play our part in the local community to ensure that the district continues to be the vibrant and attractive shopping centre that consumers and tourists enjoy.”

The council said there is a six-week period in which to appeal and the authority will be considering its position.