A campaign has been launched against the opening of Starbucks in Stroud. 

Earlier this week the SNJ reported an application had been submitted by for a branch of the chain in King Street.

The cafe would occupy part of the former Poundland building, which is being converted into a new medical centre.

The news has not gone down well with everyone, with some saying Stroud already has enough coffee shops, while owners of independent cafes have questioned the need for an international chain in a town known for its independent shops and alternative spirit.

READ MORE: Stroud cafe owners react to plans for Starbucks

Chloe Fairbrother has today launched a petition, which received more than one hundred signatures in its first few hours. 

"This move which will have a negative impact on all independent café owners in Stroud as well as corrode Stroud’s independent spirit which is the main draw to all visitors to this unique town," she said.

Writing on her change.org petition she added: "Do we want small business owners driven out of town by loss of earnings and the ever-increasing cost of living crisis which Starbucks is completely unaffected by?

"Do we want Starbucks to join Costa and Coffee #1 in gradually deteriorating the independent spirit that has drawn people to Stroud for generations?"

Five Valleys Shopping Centre claimed that they came to rejuvenate Stroud's centre under the guise of creating a marketplace for small independents.

The plan to now welcome a massive Starbucks to this centre is in complete violation of their original plan and intentions." 

Dransfield Properties, who own the Five Valleys Shopping Centre, declined to comment.

Residents will be distributing QR codes to businesses and shoppers during the farmers' market on Saturday to spread the scope of the petition further.

While it will be Stroud District Council who determine whether to approve the plans, which include outdoor seating and planters, Chloe says there are examples in other towns of residents successfully combatting similar chains.

Back in 2012, citizens of Totnes in Devon were able to prevent Costa Coffee from opening a branch on the high street, following a long running campaign. Coffee #1 - a subsidiary of Caffe Nero - has since opened there however.