Plans to demolish a former pub in Stockport and build a drive-thru Greggs have been unveiled. The owners of what was the Farmers Arms in Cheadle Heath are seeking permission to flatten it and replace it with a new branch of the high-street bakery.
However, concerns have already been raised about its proximity to a school and the effect on traffic at what is a busy junction.
The once popular former boozer on the corner of Stockport Road and Edgeley Road, which is a local landmark, closed its doors following the onset of the pandemic and never re-opened.
Brewery Greene King are now applying for planning permission to demolish the now derelict building, which they say has become a target for vandals. They would replace it with the new eatery which it is claimed will bring 35 new jobs and "return it to a vibrant and beneficial use."
According to documents submitted with the application, the pub was placed on the market in the summer of 2019 "following a sustained period of poor trading performance." No offers have been received since regarding continuing to run it as a pub Greene King said.
They say since its closure in March 2020 the derelict building has "been a sustained target for vandalism and anti-social behaviour despite the applicant’s best interests to secure the site" and that its "ongoing vacancy and the building’s continued decay significantly and adversely impacts the character of Cheadle Heath Local Centre."
The Manchester Evening News reported earlier in January this year that Greggs had been investing more and more into its drive-thru business and had around nine drive-thru restaurants across the UK.
The proposed new restaurant in Greater Manchester would have eat-in facilities, with outdoor seating and 24 parking spaces as well as a drive-thru lane including order and collection points.
There would also be five push bike parking spaces and two electric vehicle charging points. All vehicles would enter and exit via the Edgeley Road side of the site in what the applicant says is a "highly accessible location."
"The development proposed will deliver many benefits, including bringing a vacant and visually unattractive site back into a positive and job-creating use, as well as delivering a form of use that is wholly compatible and consistent with the character of the surrounding area" Walsingham Planning say on behalf of Greene King in their planning statement.
On his Facebook page, Edgeley and Cheadle Heath ward councillor Matt Wynne said "a number of residents" had been in touch with him over the plans and that "concerns seem to revolve around its proximity to a Primary School and the knock-on effect a Drive-Thru it would have on traffic flow at the junction."
He said councillors on the committee were not able to take a view publicly in advance but described the issues raised as "legitimate concerns."
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