Saga of new Greggs ends after opposition in town

A Greggs bakers and takeaway that garnered a 1,000-signature petition opposing it has been given planning permission that brings the saga to an end.

The chain opened a new outlet in Swaffham in Norfolk last month in the former QD furniture store and has now got retrospective permission for a new illuminated sign and outdoor seating.

The QD closed last year and had been vacant ever since.

Opponents of the Greggs claimed an independent bakers in the town would be adversely affected by the national chain moving in.

Some residents who signed the petition claimed it would be catastrophic for family-run Wellbread Bakers.

Owned by Emma Godfrey and her husband, she said they would be forced to make redundancies if passing trade was lost due to Greggs opening, reported the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

While the new Greggs did not require planning permission to open, the chain applied to Breckland Council to make changes to the store's front and to install a new air conditioning system.

Residents hoped the council would refuse the application and launch formal enforcement action against the company, but councillors granted the extra planning permission.

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.