Greggs to provide jobs boost at Aldridge industrial park

Walsall Council’s planning committee approved plans for the development on land off Wharf Approach at a meeting on Thursday.

The proposal, submitted by developer James Salter will see the erection of a warehouse unit with office and retail space as well as car parking and landscaping.

In total, the scheme is anticipated to create more than 40 jobs, with around 12 of those coming as a result of the new Greggs.

Officers received some objections to the plans for reasons including an increase in traffic and noise as well as the impact Greggs would have on other food businesses nearby.

But officers said ‘competition’ is not a material planning consideration while committee members welcomed the “long overdue” plans for the area which has been left undeveloped for more than 20 years.

Valuable

Agent Paul Instone told the committee: “The site is within a high quality employment area and the development supports employment uses within the industrial estate.

“The proposed development would provide at least 40 jobs which would create a valuable contribution to the economy.

“In addition, the unit designed to accommodate Greggs will not only provide employment but also be a valuable service to the wider industrial estate, giving local workers a convenient and easy accessible facility form which they can purchase food and beverages during the working day.”

Councillor John Murray said: “I pass this every single day and I can only say this is long overdue. That one part of this site is at long last is going to be developed. Why has it taken over 20 years?

“Putting that to one side, everything about this is exactly what we should be looking for and I would welcome this development to start as soon as possible.”

Council leader Mike Bird added: “I have to agree, this is long overdue.

“Anything that can make life easier for the people who are still in work I will support.”