A bakery giant has hinted that it could be moving into a former bank on the outskirts of the city centre.

Greggs, which has eight shops dotted across the city, has submitted preliminary proposals for the former Lloyds TSB bank, next to the Heartsease roundabout.

Eastern Daily Press: The proposed application is for signage, shopfront and air conditioner condenser at the vacant siteThe proposed application is for signage, shopfront and air conditioner condenser at the vacant site (Image: Newsquest)

The plans, submitted to Norwich City Council on April 26, apply for "signage, new shopfront and air conditioner condenser units" at the vacant Harvey Lane site.

While the site would have three fascia signs and two projecting signs, the application suggests that the roughly 4,200sqft space would not include any additional parking spaces.

Eastern Daily Press: Ian Mackie, councillor for Thorpe St Andrew North West said I'd rather the building was to find a new use such as thisIan Mackie, councillor for Thorpe St Andrew North West said I'd rather the building was to find a new use such as this (Image: Ian Mackie)

READ MORE: Norwich Heartsease roundabout revamp decision looms

If Greggs gets permission and proceeds with the site, it would bring new life to a site that has been closed since October 2022, on a busy roundabout that is in line for a £4.4m revamp.

Ian Mackie, Conservative councillor for Thorpe St Andrew North West, said: "Losing the bank was a blow to the community, as are all the reductions here, however, I'd rather the building was to find a new use such as this than being left in disrepair.

"Naturally, the increase in car traffic would raise some concerns but it will depend how it’s managed and parking is the main thing to monitor because it's a very busy road.

Eastern Daily Press: The application is for the former Lloyds TSB Bank building in Harvey Lane, HeartseaseThe application is for the former Lloyds TSB Bank building in Harvey Lane, Heartsease (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: New landlords needed to run The Heartsease pub in Norwich

"Hopefully there will be enough local demand within walking distance to negate the need for people to drive to it.

"Overall though it will be very popular and well used in the area, as well as creating an active shop which would also create local employment.

Eastern Daily Press: Greggs has eight shops located all around the cityGreggs has eight shops located all around the city (Image: Newsquest)

"As I'm partial to a Greggs sausage roll myself the proposal has more positives than negatives."

Greggs is staying tight-lipped on the matter for now though, with a spokeswoman saying: "Greggs is always looking into new shop locations and while we're unable to confirm anything at the moment, we'll be sure to share any information in due course."