Wirral Councillor accuses Greggs bakers over shop front planning row

Dec 1 2010 by Matt Hurst, Wallasey News

A COUNCILLOR accused Greggs bakers of “taking the pasty” after work started on a Moreton shopfront yet to receive planning permission.

And Moreton councillor Chris Blakeley says he was left fuming after the firm justified the unauthorised start by suggesting changes already made were “in consultation with local planning officers”.

Cllr Blakeley told the News: “It seems companies who submit planning applications are not even bothering to wait for Wirral to say yes or no, they just carry on regardless of planning laws. I welcome businesses to Moreton, but surely it is not too much to ask that they follow the process laid down by the council.

“I asked planning officers to find out why Greggs had ignored the planning process, Greggs email response totally astounded me, putting the blame for their actions on a planning officer.”

The decision on the Hoylake Road outlet was not due to be considered by Wirral Council’s planning department until Thursday.

But, so incensed is Councillor Blakeley, he removed the application from delegated authority and placed the decision in the hands of his fellow elected representatives.

It is unlikely now to be assessed until the new year.

A spokesperson for Greggs said: “We understood that our planning application for an improved shop front was not contentious. Consequently, we were expecting to receive planning consent on December 2. We have invested in upgrading the premises on Hoylake Road in consultation with local planning officers.”

But in an email to Greggs, sent last Thursday and seen by Wirral News, a planning officer wrote: “At no point has the local planning authority encouraged you to proceed.”

The Greggs spokesman added: “We are concerned that the planning decision is now being delayed until January 4. Nevertheless, we are reconsidering the appropriateness of the planned opening date.”

And Cllr Blakeley believes actions speak louder than words, he said: “I believe Greggs’ actions in just ploughing ahead with the work, without any regard for the people of Moreton and local businesses, is indicative of a company that may just be driven by profit, without any concern for community.

“It takes the pasty.”