Seventh Greggs proposed for “enhanced” Gloucester service station
Summary
A seventh Greggs bakery shop could be rolling into Gloucester if plans to extend an Esso garage go ahead. Bosses want to “enhance” Longlevens Service Station to prevent the “vital necessity” being lost from the community.
Details
Motor Fuel Group Limited, the UK’s largest independent forecourt provider, has applied to enlarge the sales building at the Cheltenham Road site from 243 sqm to 316 sqm to accommodate the new fast food shop. It said the inward investment will give customers more choice and create 10 jobs for the area. Petrol stations are vital for communities but are under increasing pressure and threat of closure.
Data from Experian shows there are 8,365 operational petrol stations in the UK but they are rapidly disappearing with numbers falling by 56% since 2000. “The national need for additional and enhanced petrol filling station facilities is widely recognised and accepted,” said the applicant’s planning statement.
“Whilst the recent closure of 150-200 sites a year has slowed, there continues to be strong competition between fuel retailers, particularly the big four supermarkets, which combines with the increasing costs of compliance with environmental regulations putting those remaining petrol stations under intense pressure.” The six pump station in Gloucester is open 24 hours daily and already has a Londis store and Subway food outlet.
The application said the addition of a Greggs concession will “improve the overall shop environment and enhance the customer experience by increasing the range, offer and choice available to customers.” The new shop will feature a 30 sqm sale area selling bread, savoury pastries, cakes, soups, salads, pasta,snacks, hot wraps, confectionery and hot and cold drinks.
Customers will be able to take food and drink away or sit and eat in a small dining area. It is likely to trade from 6am to 7pm daily, although hours of 6am to 11pm have been applied for. The proposal also includes changes to the parking arrangement on site, with the loss of three car parking spaces to make way for the extension.
The company said it believes “peak demand can still be met” due to the rapid turnover of visitors to the site. It said the changes will create approximately two full- time and eight part-time jobs. “Petrol filling stations are a vital necessity and can often function as a community hub and are facing significant threats in a harsh economic climate,” said the application.
“Petrol stations have been likened to post offices and local shops as vital community facilities which are rapidly disappearing. “The opportunity to deliver an enhanced petrol filling station which meets the needs of existing customers should be embraced.” Gloucester City Council is due to determine the application by August 25.
Report source: Punchline Gloucester