Greggs plans to redevelop former car showroom at The Avenue

The nationwide bakery chain has submitted plans to open an outlet opposite a Travelodge at the junction of Lodge Road and The Avenue.

Greggs says its proposal will make the best use of a derelict site, create ten full-time equivalent jobs, and give the area an economic boost.

A design and access statement that forms part of the application says: "The proposed use will complement the Travelodge, which has no onsite café/restaurant/bar.

"The application site provides no economic benefits to the local area or the city of Southampton and in its boarded up state is detracting from The Avenue Conservation Area within which it is located.

"There is a collection of commercial businesses situated around the junction, including a Lidl discount foodstore, opticians, hairdressers, and Chinese takeaway.

"The proposal will support this collection of uses which should be considered to be a non-designated local centre."

The site is opposite a Travelodge at the junction of The Avenue and Lodge Road (Image: Newsquest)

The statement describes The Avenue as a main arterial route connecting the city centre with the M3 and M27 motorway network.

It adds: "The proposal is considered to offer a beneficial service to local residents, students and visitors, providing an accessible, attractive and affordable bakery bringing lunching opportunities onsite."

If the scheme is given the go-ahead, the proposed new outlet will be open from 5am to 11pm seven days a week.

READ MORE: Gregs given the go-ahead to open drive-thru at Adanac Park in Southampton

Greggs already has ten branches in the city, including two in Above Bar Street.

"There is no intention for Greggs to close any of its existing units within Southampton. The proposed store is to serve the local community and will meet a need in the local area for healthy 'food-to-go'."

The proposed site used to be a car showroom but is currently vacant (Image: Google)

The proposed development, if approved, would also deliver environmental benefits.

"There is scope for the provision of new landscaping on the site, which would have the effect of softening the street scene on the corner of Lodge Road and The Avenue, which would improve the quality of the conservation area.

"The proposal is therefore considered to preserve the conservation area and is in line with national and development plan policy."

Greggs was started more than 80 years ago by John Gregg, who used a bicycle to deliver eggs and yeast to families in Newcastle. The first Greggs shop opened on Gosforth High Street a decade later.

Today the business has 2,000 branches and 20,000 employees who serve millions of customers each week.