Plans to demolish the vacant Farmers Arms pub and replace it with a drive-thru Greggs were approved yesterday (28 September) at a meeting of Stockport Council's Planning & Highways Regulation Committee. 

The decision comes in spite of 64 objections from residents and vocal opposition from councillors. 

The new drive-thru would be accessed off Edgeley Road and situated in the centre of Cheadle Heath. It will have 24 car parking spaces and two bays in the drive-thru to take customer orders. It will be open during the hours of 6am to 11pm seven days a week.

Opposition to the plans was mainly concerned with the impact the drive-thru would have on traffic, as well as the lack of healthy food options.

Cllr Wendy Meikle opposed the application, saying: "I am on the side of the 64 objectors. They talked about congestion, the effect on health, that the building is a landmark, and in my opinion Greggs is a fast food take out and not a restaurant.

Cllr David Meller, leader of Stockport Labour Group, said: "I am rather disappointed by this decision [...] namely because of the potential impact on the local highway. 

"However, the cross-party committee has now taken the view that there wasn't a strong basis to refuse. 

"Now this has been given the go-ahead, Yvonne [Guariento, councillor for Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North) and I are committed to ensuring this development has as little negative impact on the local community as possible. 

"While it isn't out preferred use of the site - we would much rather see housing on there - it will at least ensure the derelict Farmers Arms is knocked down and replaced."

Planning officer Jane Chase maintained that there was "no evidence within the application to suggest that an unacceptable or severe impact to traffic generation will arise".

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