Prepare for round-the-clock pasties as 24-hour Telford Greggs pod gets green light

To make way for the new car parking spaces the existing hand car wash screens and canopy will be removed.

The application received three objections and further comments which highlighted that a Greggs outlet was already available at the nearby Shawbirch Spar.

“The application proposal represents the continued modernisation and refurbishment of an existing petrol filling station development at the site,” said the applicant in their design and access statement.

“The proposals will help in meeting modern retailer requirements which will in turn lead to an enhanced experience for customers through improvement of the service station’s overall appearance and environment.

“The Greggs pod building will be operated 24 hours to match the current service station opening hours. This sustainable development together with the previously planning approved proposed extension to the shop and other areas of improvement on the forecourt will create additional employment and safeguard existing jobs now and for the future.

“Overall, it is considered that the proposal represents a sustainable and appropriate design, which relates directly to the sites permitted use and to its physical, social and environmental context reflecting the requirements of national and local planning policy.”

Telford & Wrekin Council’s planning department said that the submitted scheme had been amended ‘to ensure that it is less prominent when viewed from the surrounding area’.

Planners said that the petrol station is already trading for 24 hours a day which had set a ‘precedent’ for established opening times on the site.

Wellington Town Council made a comment about the potential increase in traffic and said that consideration should be given towards access arrangements.

Planners added that one of the conditions requested by the highways authority was a ‘no right turn’ sign to be installed on a post at the exit onto Whitchurch Drive.

In response to comments about a Greggs already being open nearby the planning department said that a sequential test assessment was undertaken as part of the application.

“Whilst there is an existing Greggs within the surrounding area, the nature of this unit is different to that existing and as part of the assessment carried out, no alternative sites were highlighted as being appropriate,” planners concluded.

“Concern has been raised regarding the loss of the existing car wash facility on the application site. Whilst this has been noted by officers, the loss of this facility is not considered to detrimentally affect the site as a whole and its continued use as a petrol filling station.

“The loss of this facility would not therefore warrant the refusal of this application.”

Telford & Wrekin Council have granted the plans full planning permission.