Residents have criticised plans to transform the site of a former hotel and pub in Bulwell into a Greggs with a drive-thru. People say there are already "plenty enough" takeaways and drive-thrus in the area.
Mersenne Developments, based in Hereford, specialises in drive-thru restaurants and has submitted proposals to build on the site of the former Apollo Hotel in Hucknall Lane. Alongside the Greggs restaurant, Mersenne hopes to build a further two retail units with parking, including electric vehicle charging points, and said the plans would create around 30 jobs.
But expressing unhappiness about the proposals, lorry driver Donald Barry, 49, from Bulwell, said: "Why would you put a drive-thru there when the area already has two? There's a Domino's Pizza too - fair enough that isn't a drive-thru but it's still a takeaway, there's no need for more.
Read more: Popular Arnold pub unveils plan for new outdoor terrace which could prove 'massive boost'
"It's a big site. It could be anything but a drive-thru."
Community nurse Mark Lacey, 41, of Bulwell, also voiced concerns, saying: "If there weren't already two drive-thrus nearby, I think I'd be fine with it but why would we need three, all within walking distance to one another. It's unnecessary and not what Bulwell needs."
Andrea Humes, 57, lives in Highbury Vale, added: "I don’t think it will go down well with people." The developer said in a statement: "Apollo Retail Park provides a new-build roadside retail development anchored by a Greggs drive-thru and three new-build retail units with eight EV car charging points.
"The site occupies a prominent roadside position on Hucknall Lane (A6002) in Bulwell, adjacent to a Morrisons supermarket and McDonald's." The former Apollo Hotel, which also operated as a pub, was demolished in 2012.
A hand car wash was later established on the site but the business owner’s temporary consent to run it expired, leading to issues with the local authority at the time. Concerns were raised by councillors over the unauthorised use of the site, but conditional permission was granted following a resubmission.
Residents also regularly expressed concerns about noise coming from the car wash. Asbury Planning, which is assisting the developer, said in a planning statement: "The proposed development represents a highly accessible and sustainable location, within the context of a busy street scene comprising a variety of uses and will therefore continue to support the economic growth and vitality of the local area.
"The proposal would generate circa 30 jobs comprising a mix of full-time and part-time opportunities which would suit local workers."
READ NEXT:
