Greggs could soon be opening a vastly expanded branch in Swindon town centre.
The company, famous for its steak bakes and yum-yums, has been given permission by planners at Swindon Borough Council to operate from the three units next to its branch in The Parade in the main shopping precinct.
Currently it has a branch at 19 The Parade – it now has permission both to operate from, and to put up its livery on, the three units to the right of the existing branch as one looks at it.
It means that it could be using the unit currently used by the Swindon Sisters Alliance, a community organisation working against domestic abuse and violence, and supporting the victims and families affected.
The planning officers’ report recommending approval of the bakery chain’s plans said: “The proposed changes to the shopfront include extending the existing Greggs design seen at No 19 across the frontage of the two neighbouring units.
“These changes will not cause harm to the building and would be consistent with the surrounding area.
“It is considered that the proposal would not harm the character of the units, the street scene or cause unacceptable harm to the amenity of the neighbouring units or surrounding area.”
The vape shop Infinity Mist on the other side of Swindon Sisters Alliance from Greggs is not affected by the new permission.
The Adver has contacted Greggs about its plans for the hugely expanded branch.
Earlier this month Greggs opened a much bigger branch in Trowbridge moving from a smaller unit in the Shires shopping centre to the 3,800 square feet unit previously used by the furniture store Get It Cleared.
That branch features 100 seats at tables, possibly a clue to how the company views the new ‘Super Greggs’ which might be coming to The Parade.
There are two further branches of the bakery in the town centre at !0 Havelock Street and 13 Canal Walk, and another 10 dotted around the rest of Swindon, including in shopping centres and petrol stations.
Nobody from Swindon Sisters Alliance was able to comment on what the permission for the bakery company means for its continued presence in the three units it is occupying at present.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel