A much-loved and popular fast-food restaurant will come to Stockton for the very first time after plans have been approved promising new jobs.

Greggs submitted plans for a drive-thru restaurant with outside seating back in January, and they have now been officially approved.

Work could start on the site soon on an undeveloped parcel of land adjacent to Unit 1 Lustrum Avenue in Stockton.

Greggs said the development would “enhance the range of food and drink facilities for those working on North Tees Industrial Estate.”

They continue to argue that the proposal will “also make efficient use of land within an already commercialised employment area.”

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A total of 12 car parking spaces will be provided, two of which will be disabled parking and 10 cycle parking spaces as well.

The Northern Echo:

Originally the site was earmarked for a new Next Home store, however, this was soon replaced by the Greggs drive-thru.

Greggs argues that although the restaurant will create a small amount of additional retail floorspace, “this would be significantly lower than that previously approved as part of planning permission for a Next Home store.”

It adds: “Users of the drive-thru facility visiting Portrack Lane are unlikely to purchase ‘food to go’ from shops in Stockton Town Centre, with trade more likely to be diverted from existing, outlets selling ‘food to go’ in the Portrack Lane area.

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It comes after a number of alternative sites were considered for the proposal including High Street in Stockton, land at St Marks Court and vacant units in Stockton Town Centre.

Plans for another Stockton branch at Mile House on Durham Road are also in the works, along with another confirmed drive-thru on Teesside in South Bank earlier this year.

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