Controversial new Greggs in Swaffham to open this week

Proposals for the new bakery in Swaffham sparked huge opposition among locals, with more than 1,000 people signing a petition against the store.

Many fear the chain's arrival will be catastrophic for Wellbread Bakers, a family-run business that has been part of the community for more than 40 years and is located just yards away.

While locals have awaited Breckland Council's decision to approve or refuse the application with bated breath, the new shop is due to open this week - without a decision having been made.

The new Greggs shop is almost ready to open in Swaffham (Image: Sonya Duncan) WHAT WERE THE PLANS?

Greggs sought permission from Breckland Council to revamp the former QD Furniture Store in Swaffham's Market Place.

The budget retailer closed in December after just over two years in the town and the unit has been vacant since. 

Karl Chappell, a regular customer at Wellbread Bakers in the Market Place, launched a petition against the new Greggs store, attracting more than 1,000 signatures.

READ MORE: Council launches consultation after backlash at parking charges

Wellbread Bakers at Swaffham (Image: Denise Bradley) Wellbread has been based in the town for several decades but is facing huge financial losses under the proposals, and loyal customers pledged to boycott the rival bakery if it opened in the town. 

While Greggs did not require planning permission for use of the former QD Furniture unit, the applications lodged with Breckland Council sought approval for an illuminated sign, a new air conditioning system and an outdoor seating area.

The authority has yet to make a decision. 

Planning notices outside the new Greggs store (Image: Denise Bradley) GREGGS IS A GO?

Despite this, the new shop is due to open on Friday - much to the confusion of locals.

Emma Godfrey, who runs Wellbread bakery alongside her husband Andy, said their business would be forced to make redundancies if passing trade was lost to the chain. 

Emma and Andy Godfrey of Wellbread Bakers (Image: Denise Bradley)She added: "This is going to be a waiting game now. We'll just have to see what happens.

"It's a shame - we've been here for a long time and we're part of the community. It would be very sad if we were no longer able to sustain our business.

"But they are going to open regardless of what the council says."

If the applications are refused by Breckland Council, the authority may have to issue an enforcement notice requesting the removal of signs or equipment set up without permission. 

READ MORE: Former QD store set for new lease of life

The new bakery will open on Friday (Image: Sonya Duncan)

There was previously a Greggs in Swaffham, at the service station on the A47.

However, it closed down and the nearest outlets are currently in Dereham and Downham Market.

PLANNING PILE-UP

Breckland Council's planning department is facing a huge backlog in applications dating back more than a month due to a software update gone awry.

The authority had intended to suspend its planning portal for a short period in order to transition to a new system, but this ended up taking weeks longer than expected. 

This has resulted in long delays that will require council officials to request extra time to work through existing applications.

It is not clear exactly how many developments will be held up as a result of this, but the council receives some 140 planning applications every month. 

A statement from the council said: "It will take some time to work through the significant backlog of applications.

"Inevitably this will mean that it will be highly unlikely that we will be able to determine applications within the statutory time period and officers will be requesting appropriate extensions of time.

"We apologise for this and would reassure you that we will seek to determine applications as quickly as possible."