New Greggs pod confirmed for Walsgrave as rejected plans overturned on appeal...

Work on the venue could begin soon



Residents in Coventry could soon have another place to pick up a streak bake as a petrol station in Walsgrave looks set to get a new Greggs 'pod'.

It comes following a successful appeal after plans were initial rejected.

As previously reported, plans were put forward last year for permission to build a small outlet at the Esso petrol station on Hinckley Road.

But planning officers for Coventry City Council rejected the application over concerns the development would negatively impact the living conditions of residents in nearby Mapperley Close.

However, an appeal has led to the decision being overturned. Developers can now build the new Greggs pod, provided they adhere to certain standard conditions.

The appeal outcome, shared recently on the council's planning portal, said that the proposed development would have an 'acceptable effect on the living conditions of the occupiers of Nos. 9 to 12, with particular regard to outlook, and potential noise and disturbance.'

While it is acknowledged the Greggs was likely to attract more visitors it was decided any additional impact on neighbours would be limited.

The decision says the proposal 'will attract a greater number of comings and goings than currently experienced' but that the position of the building would move these activities further away from the boundary than the existing parking bays

The decision states: "Taking all these factors into account, I am satisfied that any increase in noise and disturbance would be limited and suitably mitigated."

Residents had pointed to an earlier appeal involving proposed jet wash bays on the same site that was dismissed. However, the schemes were said to be materially different because the Greggs building would be lower and further from neighbouring homes.

The decision says: "Direct comparisons with this previously dismissed appeal on site are limited and it has not swayed me away from my findings."

Other objections raised by local residents included concerns over highway safety, parking, the need for another Greggs and potential noise from extractor fans and condensers.

However, the inspector noted those issues had already been considered by the council during the application process and were not the reason planning permission had originally been refused.

Planning permission has now been granted subject to several conditions.