Greggs drive-thru planned for outskirts of Norwich
Developers are hoping to open a branch on the Broadland Gate Business Park at Postwick
Last updated 10th Oct 2023
Bakery chain Greggs looks set to build a new drive-through outlet on the outskirts of Norwich.
Developers are hoping to open a branch on the Broadland Gate Business Park at Postwick, near the Northern Distributor Road.
Ahead of a meeting on Tuesday, the bakery chain’s bid has been recommended for approval by Broadland District Council’s (BDC) planning officials.
Greggs already has more than 20 stores in Norfolk, including nine in the Norwich area.
The store would sit on an unused plot of land between the Lidl supermarket and McDonald’s restaurant.
The application for the new branch has been submitted by two local companies on behalf of the bakery chain.
A report to councillors ahead of the meeting does not mention Greggs, instead referring to the shop as a “coffee unit with drive-through”.
But a statement submitted with the application has called the bakery giant the “named operator” of the premises.
The companies say the plans will bring 19 full and part-time jobs.
Eleanor Laming, Green group councillor the Postwick area, wrote to planners questioning the need for another fast food outlet in the vicinity and whether the added traffic would have a negative impact on neighbours.
She said: “The quality of life for any residents on the Heath Farm site could be adversely affected by the 24-hour opening of the restaurant, the traffic volume, associated noise and light pollution, any odour emitted and the height of the building which might cause properties to be overlooked.”
But in supporting the application, BDC officials said: “The proposed development technically conflicts with council policy due to the drive-through element of the proposal.
“However, the proposed use is broadly in keeping with the surrounding uses which is wide-ranging, including an existing drive-through, and can be accommodated on the site without having an adverse impact on the local highway network, visual and residential amenities of the area.”