Ferndown: Greggs drive-in at Longham approved despite objections

Greggs has taken over the former car dealership site on Ringwood Road

A planned drive-in outlet for bakery chain Greggs would be out of place and add to traffic congestion, residents living nearby have claimed.

Dorset Council has agreed the conversion of a vacant car showroom on Ringwood Road in Longham, Ferndown.

Greggs plans parking for 15 vehicles and an outdoor seating area alongside its new bakery and eating area.

Although about 50 objections were received, planning officers said there would be "no significant harm".

One full-time and eight part-time positions are set to be created with the roadside outlet planning to open daily from 05:00 to 23:00, although the requested hours have yet to be agreed.

The previous garage business, Lamwell, has already moved to an adjacent site.

'Additional traffic'

Among the objectors to the change of use was Ferndown Town Council, which claimed the development would be "of detriment to the historical environment of Longham".

"The A348 is already a busy and often congested road and will be exacerbated by additional traffic accessing and egressing the site," said the town council in its objection.

Ward councillor Julie Robinson said: "It is totally out of character with the historic village setting and also detracts from its heritage assets."

Another objector said the development would lead to "additional noise, smells etc as well as further traffic issues" and that it could lead to residents of a neighbouring elderly care home becoming "more distressed".

In recommending the proposal to be approved, Dorset planning officers said it would "not result in significant harm" to the area.

"The proposal will bring a new business to the village associated with meeting people's day-to-day needs and leisure choices," their report stated.