Plans to demolish part of a pub to make way for a convenience store and bakery in Oakdale have been approved by the council’s planning committee.
Under the plans The New Forge pub in Brynhoward Terrace will be partly knocked down, with an extension built before the building is split between a Co-op and Greggs.
The Co-op will close its existing store in Oakdale village centre to move to the new location.
It says the existing store is too small to stock a full range of products and no longer meets commercial needs.
Councillors heard on Wednesday that the development is expected to create 26 jobs, 16 at the Co-op and ten at Greggs.
However there was some opposition to the plans, with 139 letters of objection gathering 291 signatures submitted to the council.
Concerns were expressed over the loss of the Co-op to Oakdale village.
But a condition of the application is for a section 106 contribution to improve two bus stops near the development which is aimed at making access easier.
Worries were also voiced about the impact of delivery vehicles entering and leaving the site.
Resident Alexander Shepherd spoke in opposition to the plans at the planning committee meeting.
Mr Shepherd claimed there was not adequate parking provision for the development and said there was “proof” that 900 objections had been lodged.
But planning officer Chris Boardman disputed both claims.
Mr Shepherd also raised concerns about the impact of the development on road safety.
He said: “There is a speed camera where the new bus stop is going to be.
“The fact there is a speed camera there shows there is a highways issue.”
A speaker on behalf of the applicant said The New Forge pub has “no restriction” on opening hours.
He said the development would therefore result in less disruption to residents in the area.
He also said the owner of the pub had decided to sell as he was struggling to keep it open.
Cllr Mike Davies, who represents the Crumlin ward, said he also had concerns about road safety.
Councillors voted to approve the plans with several conditions including that Greggs cannot have an outdoor seating area and restrictions on delivery hours.
This is postive progress as far as i can see, turning an eye sore into a business that will be used for by the community. We need more of this to improve the look of the area.
Great all the school kid’s put at risk when crossing to get their daily Greggs Snack.
Moving a shop out of town, on condition they improve the bus stop, is this sustainability ?. The Petition seem’s to have got lost, Very dangerous Stretch road
Hope no one regrets this decision.