Greggs and Starbucks ‘drive-thru’ branches could soon open at the former Dewhirst Factory site in Pennywell, under new proposals.
New plans for a bakery and cafe in the Pennywell Industrial Estate, off Chester Road, have been submitted to Sunderland City Council’s Planning Department.
In recent years the site has seen big changes with a KFC restaurant with drive-thru, an Aldi food store and Wickes setting up shop.
Proposals for a Marston public house and restaurant on part of the site were previously approved by council, although development was never advanced.
In June 2020 an application for a Greggs bakery and drive-through cafe on the plot of land was submitted by North East Property Partnership Ltd (NEPP) – but it was withdrawn in September 2020.
According to the planning documents, the withdrawal was due to the building’s planned operators changing and “design requirements”.
Now the program looks set to be relaunched as two drive-thru units, with big brands for new buildings.
A planning statement for the new application, submitted to the council on behalf of the NEPP, says Greggs and Starbucks have been “secured” to occupy the proposed units on the site.
The statement read: “Both operators require new facilities close to the A19 corridor and on a key arterial route to Sunderland.
“Such facilities would complement existing supply in the Sunderland area, both within and outside existing centres, for employees working at (or visiting) Pennywell Estate, as well as for transient commerce , for those traveling along the A183, to and from Sunderland City Centre, as well as other destinations.
“The Pennywell Estate application site is a suitable place for both operators to meet this requirement.”
The proposed buildings on the site would be located in a landscaped area with seating, new pedestrian pathways, parking, bike racks and service areas.
A total of 40 parking spaces are offered as part of the development, four of which are accessible and two contain electric vehicle charging stations.
The planning statement goes on to say: ‘The scheme would improve the range of catering facilities for those working on Pennywell Estate, as well as those passing along the A183 Chester Road, as well as local residents.
“The proposal will also bring previously developed land back into use and support approximately 20 full-time jobs.”
A decision on the development application is expected to be made by early May 2022.
For more information on the scheme or to follow its progress, visit Sunderland City Council’s online planning portal and search reference: 22/00531/FUL