Fears have been raised that a planned new Greggs store could “damage” the future health of a Wiltshire town centre.
Plans have been submitted by Greggs for a new shopfront and signage at Unit Four of the Garden Trading Estate in Devizes, off London Road, suggesting the chain plans to open a new branch at the site.
The proposal has been submitted for the former Jewson tool hire and sales shop, which is currently vacant, and include seating and the typical services offered by the business.
But while many residents have reacted positively to the news, some concerns have been raised by both Devizes Town Council and the Trust for Devizes.
In a summary of planning applications dealt with by the town council’s planning committee, town councillors commented that the scheme could damage the “vitality and viability” of the town centre.
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A spokesperson said: “This development risks damaging the vitality and viability of Devizes town centre by diverting spend on takeaway food elsewhere.
“However this damage has already been done by the unrestricted change of use granted in August, the decision for which does not appear to have been plan or NPPF-led.”
Before it was revealed that Greggs would be the potential occupant for the site, planning permission was granted to change the use of the building to retail.
The Trust for Devizes echoed the fears that this decision has already caused issues for the town centre by “diverting” footfall away from the area.
A spokesperson added: “We fear the damage (particularly to the vitality & viability of Devizes town centre) has been done by the entirely open-ended change of use permission, to which we and the town council objected in July.
“A branch of Greggs here will clearly divert trade away from the town centre, and contribute to loss of revenue, and therefore vibrancy and vitality.
“We appreciate that this is unlikely to be a material consideration in relation to the present application, but we wish to record our dismay at the previous decision, particularly the failure to impose a condition restricting retail to bulky goods, or other appropriate limitation.”
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Residents feel a national chain opening a new branch in the town could help the area grow.
Speaking when the plans were revealed, others pointed out that the scheme could create jobs and would be “convenient” for customers.
Greggs was contacted for comment but did not respond.
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