Plans to open two Starbucks just seven minutes away from each other have been submitted.

If given the green light, the new branches of the coffee shops would be opened at the former Aldi supermarket in Roman Way, Crayford, and Prospect Place, Dartford.

Proposals for the Prospect Place site would see the popular chain open next to Costa Coffee in place of the vacant Bathstore.

If both are approved, they would be 1.9 miles away from each other via the A226.

Planning documents sent to Bexley Council for the Crayford store said the development could cost “up to £2million”.

Applicants outlined their aspirations to make the coffee shop – which would be near KFC – “comfortable and inviting” to the public.

A planning statement describes how the former Aldi has been turned into smaller retail units.

It adds: “The site has good public transport links and has also retained the previous Aldi supermarket car parking spaces, including accessible parking spaces.”

The Crayford branch would create 16 jobs, including eight full-time and eight part-time roles.

If given the go ahead, it would be open from 7am to 11pm from Monday to Saturday and 8am to 11am on Sunday and Bank Holidays.

The second Starbucks application was for new signs to be put up on the Dartford retail park and signals the American-owned chain’s intentions for a new shop, despite no formal plans being submitted.

One resident from the town was not happy about the idea, objecting to them on the council’s website.

“We don’t need another generic coffee shop in Dartford,” they said.

“Starbucks’ corporate tax history should be taken into account and not allowed to move in.

“It is next to Costa which has served Dartford well over the last few years.

“Dartford is not big enough for that many coffee shops.

“If anything, a current long-standing shop should be allowed to expand or use the space. I hope this application is rejected.”

Plans for the Crayford Starbucks can be found on the Bexley Council planning portal, with reference 22/02236/FUL.

Similarly, the Prospect Place application can be found on Dartford council’s planning portal, with reference 22/01003/ADV.