Greggs to relocate to neighbouring Middlesbrough unit

Greggs already occupies a plot in Marton Estate Square, just off of Laurel Road, and the council has now given the company the go-ahead to move next door.

Along with granting planning permission for the use of unit two in the precinct, further proposals have been green lit, meaning locals can expect to see shopfront alterations, new plant equipment and associated advertisements.

As for the proposed plot’s history, papers submitted to the council say that in 2023, plans were approved to change a betting shop into a beauty salon.

The council has deemed the proposed daytime opening hours to be “complementary” to the function of the local centre.

Opening hours at the new store would be from 6am to 6.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and 7.30am to 5pm on Sundays, which are very similar to the hours of operation at the store already in the precinct.

Greggs’ planning agent had argued in the application process that the renowned chain is not classified as a hot food takeaway, but rather a bakery (class E), and that this had been accepted by the council in respect to other local Greggs’ applications.

The cover letter, advocating the plans, said: “Greggs currently operates from unit three of Marton Square. That leasehold is due to be relinquished, and the business intends to relocate into the application premises.”

This would see the bakery maintain a presence within the “local centre”, which, in the view of the planning agent, would contribute to “vitality and viability” of the area.

Papers previously submitted to the council added: “The proposed relocation of the existing Greggs unit would deliver economic benefits through investment into the centre, creation and retention of jobs, and supporting footfall generation.

“The use is consistent with town centre functions and represents an appropriate main town centre use.”

While 13 neighbouring properties were consulted as part of the planning process, no letters of support or objections were received.

The council’s report, confirming that planning permission has been granted, said that the proposal will not “prejudice the character and function of the area” or prevent adequate access to the site. Greggs’ plans are deemed to be consistent with the other commercial uses of the location.

Concluding remarks add: “The traffic generated, car parking and noise associated with the use will not be of a level likely to result in an unacceptable impact on nearby premises.”