Plans for new Greggs and drive-thru coffee shop at former Dewhirst Sunderland site

Plans to build a new bakery and a drive-thru coffee shop on the Pennywell Industrial Estate, off Chester Road, have been submitted to Sunderland City Council.

According to a planning statement, popular North East bakery chain Greggs is lined up for one of the units and while the identity of the coffee shop operator has not yet been confirmed – although the documents say it is likely to be an international company such as Café Nero, Costa and Starbucks.

Plans for two new units, which previously received planning permission for a Marston’s public house and restaurant facility in 2016, include 38 parking spaces – with four disabled bays.

Fast-food chain KFC opened on the site last year and a new Aldi supermarket opened its doors to customers last month.

The proposals, by applicant North East Property Partnership Ltd, say the new units would help create the equivalent of 20 full-time jobs in Sunderland.

The planning statement, which was submitted on June 24, says: “The scheme would enhance the range of food and drink facilities for those working on Pennywell Estate, as well as those passing by along the A183 Chester Road, as well as local residents.

“The proposal will also bring back into use previously developed land and create around 20 full-time equivalent jobs on the site.”

If plans for a new Gregg’s site were approved it would add to a network of 19 bakeries already in Sunderland.

The statement adds: “It is unlikely that the proposed Greggs will compete directly with the existing outlet in Pennywell Local Centre. This is because the existing outlet caters for local residents and other visitors to this centre who are more likely to make frequent visits to Greggs as part of their routine

shopping trips to meet their day to day needs.

“The proposed outlet, by contrast, is located outwith the residential estates of Pennywell, and is designed to draw its customer base from passing trade and visitors who would be unlikely to make a detour to visit existing outlets within this and other local centres.”

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