Plans by Greggs to convert a former motorcycle showroom into a new store have been approved despite uncertainty over the future use of the site, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
Durham County Council approved several proposals from the North East-based bakery chain for the Dunelm Garage site at Neville’s Cross in Durham City.
They include shop front alterations, a change of use for commercial or business, and advertising consent for the building located near the A167.
However, residents said the proposed Greggs site is within 400 metres of Neville’s Cross Primary School, which conflicts with a local planning policy prohibiting hot food takeaways from opening.
Parish councillors and members of the City of Durham Trust also raised concerns over accessibility and potential traffic issues caused by the new bakery.
In an objection, the Neville’s Cross Community Association said: “A shop predominantly selling takeaway food in this location is going to attract casual passing traffic from the main A167 and A690 roads which pass close by.
“Access to the site is severely constrained, the only legitimate entrance being from the A690 immediately adjacent to the traffic lights for the Neville’s Cross junction. This presents obvious risks for vehicles seeking to turn right out of the site, given the heavy traffic on the A690 and queuing back from the lights.
“An added problem would be vehicles seeking to leave (or enter at busy periods) blocking the westbound flow on the A690. It will also encourage non-compliance with the no entry restriction for access direct from the A167 northbound.”
The site’s owners said bringing the building back into use would improve the local area and address ongoing concerns from residents about its vacant and deteriorating condition. “It is highly unlikely that the property will be successfully let in its current use class,” a statement added.
But the City of Durham Parish Council called for clarity on the future use of the site.
Responding to the application, it said: “There is a lack of information regarding the proposed use, particularly the relationship with the other current planning proposals for the site which suggest the use could fall within either a sui generis use (as a takeaway) or Class E(b) the sale of food and drink for consumption (mostly) on the premises.”
A Greggs spokesperson said: “Greggs is always looking into new shop locations. While we are unable to confirm anything at the moment, we will share any information in due course.”
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
