Plans lodged by Greggs for a new branch have been approved despite objections.

In September, the bakery chain submitted a proposal for replacement signage, a projecting sign, a refreshed shopfront, and other works at Unit Four of the Garden Trading Estate in Devizes, off London Road.

The plans, which include seating and the typical services offered by Greggs, indicate that the business hopes to open a new store at the unit, which was previously occupied by Jewson.

Two applications for alterations to the site have now been approved by Wiltshire Council, after planning permission was granted to change the use of the building to retail earlier this year.

The approval comes despite opposition from both Devizes Town Council and the Trust for Devizes, with both groups raising concerns about the impact of the development on the town centre.

The trust was concerned that a Greggs branch outside the town centre would “divert trade away” and harm the area.

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A spokesperson said: “We fear the damage (particularly to the vitality & viability of Devizes town centre) has been done by the entirely open-ended change of use permission, to which we and the town council objected in July.

“A branch of Greggs here will clearly divert trade away from the town centre, and contribute to loss of revenue, and therefore vibrancy and vitality.

“We appreciate that this is unlikely to be a material consideration in relation to the present application, but we wish to record our dismay at the previous decision, particularly the failure to impose a condition restricting retail to bulky goods, or other appropriate limitation.”

Devizes Town Council echoed fears that the plans might reduce town centre footfall.

A spokesperson added: “This development risks damaging the vitality and viability of Devizes town centre by diverting spend on takeaway food elsewhere.

“However this damage has already been done by the unrestricted change of use granted in August, the decision for which does not appear to have been plan or NPPF-led.”

Greggs has previously said it could not confirm if it would be opening a store at the site during the planning process.

At the time, a spokesperson said: “Greggs is always looking into new shop locations.

"While we are unable to confirm anything at the moment, we will share any information in due course.”

The chain did not comment on concerns raised by the town council and the trust.