By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
A Greggs drive-through can now be built in Bulwell after revised plans were given the green light by councillors who said they were “a damn sight better”.
Mersenne Developments Ltd, a drive-through specialist, submitted plans to build a Greggs drive-through, a Subway and a tanning salon on the site of the former Apollo Hotel in Hucknall Lane in January.
Residents objected over fears of “rat infestations” and noise, prompting a number of alterations to be made, including changes to the operating hours.
Despite the changes, Nottingham City Council’s planning committee chose to delay a decision on the plans back in June, having raised further issue with potential pollution and the design of the drive-through building.
The developer then changed the design of the buildings and conducted an air quality assessment.
Following the changes, the plans went back to Nottingham’s planning committee on Wednesday, July 19, where they were approved.
Councillor Graham Chapman (Lab) said: “I would like to thank the officers for the improvements made.
“You have actually gone and done what the committee wanted, which is not always the case.
“I would like to thank the developers. It seems to me they have made a real effort on this.
“What we should not be doing is taking bog-standard designs done by corporate organisations who just plonk them on site. It is not at least bespoke.”
The former Apollo Hotel, which 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.
Improvements made to the plans by the developers include more trees and better landscaping, as well as the use of brickwork instead of cladding on the Greggs building.
The air quality assessment was submitted by the developers, which concluded there would be “no significant impact” as a result of the development.
Environmental Health raised no concerns.
Solar panels will also be installed on the roof of the Greggs outlet.
Cllr Sam Harris (Lab), who raised concerns over air quality at the previous meeting, added: “We did put a load of walls up last time.
“But they have evidently been knocked down now. It is a very attractive site with changes, especially the architecture.
“I’m not an artist but I know that is a damn sight better and the increase in foliage is a great sight.”
