Greggs set to open in Swaffham despite planning permission not yet being given

Norfolk’s most controversial Greggs store is due to open this week - apparently without having secured planning permission.

Proposals for the new bakery in Swaffham sparked huge opposition among locals, with more than 1,000 people signing a petition against the store.

Many fear the chain’s arrival will be catastrophic for Wellbread Bakers, a family-run business that has been part of the community for more than 40 years and is located just yards away.

However, plenty of others have suggested that a Greggs would not be such a bad thing - offering something different to what is already in the town.

While locals have awaited Breckland Council’s decision to approve or refuse the application with bated breath, the new shop is due to open this week – without a decision having been announced.

WHAT WERE THE PLANS?

Greggs sought permission from Breckland Council to move into the former QD Furniture Store on Swaffham’s Market Place.

The budget retailer closed last December after just over two years in the town and the unit has been vacant since.

Karl Chappell, a regular customer at Wellbread Bakers in the Market Place, launched a petition against the new Greggs store, attracting more than 1,000 signatures.

Wellbread has been based in the town for several decades but its owners claim they face huge financial losses under the proposals - and loyal customers pledged to boycott the rival bakery if it opened in the town.

The applications lodged with Breckland Council sought approval for an illuminated Greggs sign and new air conditioning units, extractor fans, and an outdoor seating area.

The authority has yet to publish a decision.

GREGGS IS A GO?

Despite this, the new shop is due to open on Friday – much to the confusion of residents.

Emma Godfrey, who runs Wellbread bakery alongside her husband Andy, said their business would be forced to make redundancies if passing trade was lost to the chain.

She added: “This is going to be a waiting game now. We’ll just have to see what happens.

“It’s a shame – we’ve been here for a long time and we’re part of the community. It would be very sad if we were no longer able to sustain our business.

“But they are going to open regardless of what the council says.”

If the applications are refused by Breckland Council, the authority may have to issue an enforcement notice requesting the removal of signs or equipment set up without permission.

There was previously a Greggs in Swaffham, at the service station on the A47.

However, it closed down and the nearest outlets are currently in Dereham and Downham.

PLANNING PILE-UP

Breckland Council’s planning department is facing a huge backlog in applications dating back more than a month due to a software update gone awry.

The authority had intended to suspend its planning portal for a short period in order to transition to a new system, but this ended up taking weeks longer than expected.

This has resulted in long delays that will require council officials to request extra time to work through existing applications.

It is not clear exactly how many developments will be held up as a result of this, but the council receives some 140 planning applications every month.

A statement from the council said: “It will take some time to work through the significant backlog of applications.

“Inevitably this will mean that it will be highly unlikely that we will be able to determine applications within the statutory time period and officers will be requesting appropriate extensions of time.

“We apologise for this and would reassure you that we will seek to determine applications as quickly as possible.”

NOT SO BAD?

While the Greggs plans have been controversial, plenty of residents have suggested the bakery would not be such a bad thing.

The Lynn News asked people living in Swaffham what they thought of the plans.

Some said they are simply “fed up” with the debate - while others welcomed the chain.

Rebecca Ward responded: “I for one probably won’t use it much but I do welcome it because I am able to look at the bigger picture, jobs, footfall and economic impact.

“Empty premises don’t make money for the town.”

Mark Hamilton said: “Great news, more choice (and) quick service, nobody complained when another charity or coffee shop opened.”

Sami Turner added: “It’s happening so get over it.

“It’s no threat to the bakery here at all, (people are) just being dramatic and it’s boring.

“We’ve a million cafes but none of them complain when a new one opens, variety is the spice of life.”

Additional reporting by Kris Johnston