Greggs secures approval for new store despite health board opposition

Bakery chain Greggs has successfully overcome an effort to prevent the establishment of a larger new store, despite assertions from health officials that it would offer “unhealthy food.” The Aneurin Bevan University Health Board sought to block Greggs from occupying a vacant premises adjacent to one of its existing outlets in Pontypool, Torfaen. The board expressed apprehension regarding the site’s proximity to an educational institution and the existing abundance of food and drink establishments within the town. Nevertheless, planning authorities have granted permission for Greggs – which inaugurated its 2,500th UK branch earlier this year and operates three stores in Pontypool and 40 within the health board’s jurisdiction – to commence operations at the expanded George Street location. The company reported that in the previous year, 40% of its food sales constituted “a healthier option,” significantly surpassing its 30% objective. The health board had formally opposed the planning application submitted to Torfaen council, citing the proposed change of use for the building, which was believed to have previously housed a Superdrug store. According to planning officer Tom Braithwaite, the nature of products offered could not “prejudice the favourable determination of this application” because the proposal encompassed mixed retail and food and drink purposes. Consequently, any business falling within these designated use classes could operate there, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Mr. Braithwaite indicated that the health board’s objection regarding the closeness to an educational facility was afforded “limited weight,” given the council’s restricted authority to resolve such issues. Apprehensions concerning the expansion leading to an excessive number of food and drink establishments in the town were rejected, as Mr. Braithwaite stated that the variety of products sold would not detract from the town centre’s “vitality.” A declaration presented by planning agents representing Greggs affirmed: “In 2023, Greggs far exceeded their target for 30% of the items on their shelves to be healthier choices. In fact, 40% of the range was a healthier option.” The agents clarified that Greggs categorizes a “healthier option” as an item containing fewer than 400 calories and displaying no red traffic lights, in accordance with the UK government’s voluntary nutrition labelling scheme. This initiative is projected to create additional employment opportunities, with the proposed store size anticipated to generate one full-time and 13 part-time positions, the statement further noted. Greggs maintains 40 outlets within the region overseen by the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. These include three in Pontypool, 10 in Newport, four in Cwmbran, 16 across Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent, and six in Monmouthshire.