Swaffham Greggs saga over as application for bakery is finally approved
The saga over a new Greggs store in Swaffham has finally come to an end following a petition being launched and threats of a boycott.
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 feared the chain’s arrival would be catastrophic for family-run business Wellbread Bakers and were disheartened when the new shop opened last month without planning permission.
While half-baked hopes remained that the council might take enforcement action against the company, these have now fallen flat as the applications have finally been approved.
Greggs sought permission from Breckland Council to revamp the former QD Furniture Store in Swaffham’s Market Place. The budget retailer closed last year and the unit had been vacant ever 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 and loyal customers pledged to boycott the rival bakery if it opened in the town.
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.
While Greggs did not require planning permission for use of the former QD Furniture unit, the applications lodged with Breckland Council sought approval for an illuminated sign, a new air conditioning system and an outdoor seating area.
The new shop opened last month – much to the confusion of locals – without having secured approval for these alterations from the council.
Hopes remained that the planning applications might be refused and Breckland Council would launch formal enforcement action against Greggs.
However, the company has finally been given the green light and can continue operating in the town as it pleases, bringing an end to the months-long saga.
