Car wash to be converted into Greggs bakery
Plans to open a Greggs bakery outlet at a Wakefield petrol station have been given the go-ahead.
The scheme involves extending and converting a car wash building to accommodate the high street food retailer at Walnut Filling Station in Sandal.
Proposals submitted to Wakefield Council said the development would create a more “versatile and valued amenity” at the Barnsley Road premises.
Eight residents objected to the plans, citing concerns over an increase in traffic and anti-social behaviour at the site.
One objector said: “This is already an extremely busy road and junction which serves two pubs, a petrol station and shop, a rugby club, two supermarkets, a high school, restaurant and several other businesses.
“Traffic levels and noise are already undesirably high throughout the day and night.”Another resident said the site was “not an ideal place to be creating a hub and social spot
for children.”
A third objection stated: “There are similar retail units within a close range that are better suited and equipped for the proposal.”
An officer’s report said the scheme compiled with local and national planning policies and was “acceptable in principle.”
A planning statement submitted on behalf of Motor Fuel Group said the number of petrol stations in the UK had reduced by 56% since 2000.
It said: “Petrol stations have been likened to Post Offices and local shops as vital community facilities which are rapidly disappearing.
“The opportunity to deliver an enhanced petrol filling station which meets a recognised local need should be embraced.”
The scheme includes creating five new car parking spaces and extending the car wash building by 14 sq m to accommodate an indoor seating area for customers.
The document added: “The proposal will result in the loss of the existing car wash facility.
“While this represents a reduction in service diversity, the impact is considered minimal due to the limited operational role and declining demand for car wash facilities.
“The replacement of a car wash with a nationally recognised food retailer introduces a more versatile and valued amenity, contributing to the vitality of the site.”