A PLANNING application for a Greggs bakery to open at Parc Prestatyn Shopping Park has been approved.

The plans will see Greggs be based at unit 16 at the retail park, previously occupied by TechEdge mobile phone repair centre.

Applicant EPIC (No. 2) Ltd. (c/o Ediston Real Estate) requested a change of use of the unit from a shop to a shop and/or food and drink premises.

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The application states that Greggs will employ three full-time and nine-part time members of staff, and that the bakery would be open from 6am-7pm Monday to Saturday, and 8am-6pm on Sundays.

Extracts from a covering letter read: “The proposals effectively seek to substitute one main town centre use (shop) for a potential mix of main town centre uses (shop/food and drink).

“The proposals will enhance the ‘offer’ of the shopping park for existing visitors and passer-by trade, complementing and adding to the vitality and viability of the town centre.

“For the avoidance of doubt, no changes are proposed to the external appearance of the unit, and no increase in floorspace is proposed.

“Any such changes would form part of a separate planning application, submitted in due course.”

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, when consulted on the plans, raised concerns regarding the location, due to its “proximity to educational settings and existing restaurants selling predominantly food and drinks high in fat, salt and sugar”.

It proposed a number of small changes to the menu Greggs will offer, including:

  • A reduced selection of high fat, salt and sugary food and drinks, providing healthy alternatives that are fresh and affordable.
  • A good selection of affordable fruit and vegetable options.
  • Access to free tap water and the provision of free water bottle refills.
  • Options to suit dietary requirements and preferences.

In response, the applicant wrote: “The application proposals accord with the development plan.

“Nevertheless, many of the comments raised are already incorporated within the Greggs’ existing offer – such as providing a selection of healthier options and options to suit dietary requirements.”

Prestatyn Town Council also highlighted concerns about “over-intensification” of eateries in the area.

Natural Resources Wales raised no objections to the plans, before Denbighshire County Council’s planning committee approved the application on September 12.

TechEdge relocated in Prestatyn from the retail park to Nant Hall Road during the summer.

Other businesses represented at Parc Prestatyn includes Marks and Spencer, Boots, Costa Coffee and Clarks.

Greggs, founded in 1939, now has more than 2,000 outlets.