Plans for a new KFC and Greggs in Mold set to be given green light

Plans for a new KFC and Greggs in Mold look set to be given the go-ahead next week.

A recommendation has been made to Flintshire Council’s planning committee that they approve the development at their meeting next week.

Councillors will be asked to consider the application by TJ Morris, the company which owns Home Bargains, to change the use of the former Checkpoint car service centre on Chester Road.

Confirmation that it would house a KFC and Greggs was revealed in a transport statement submitted with the application.
Both ward member, Mold East Cllr Chris Bithell (Lab) and Mold Town Council have been consulted on the plans.

In a report to be viewed by the planning committee, Cllr Bithell welcomes investment to the area but has concerns that the proposal would attract more trade increasing traffic on Chester Road. And he is also concerned about the safety of the junction from Chester Road to the site.

The town council supports the re-use of the site but also expresses concerns over an increase in traffic generation and the safety of the junction.

They say parking provision does not appear to be adequate and the late night closure of one unit would lead to increased traffic near a residential area late at night and potential anti-social behaviour.

But recommending the development be given the green light in his report, Flintshire Council’s chief planning officer Andrew Farrow says these issues can be mitigated against.

He said: “In conclusion, the principle of the development is acceptable and the character and appearance, potential nuisance issues and highway safety are all considered to be satisfactory and/or can be mitigated against.

“For the reasons outlined above, it is concluded that the proposals are compliant with relevant planning policies and are therefore recommended for approval.”

The proposal is to have a sandwich shop and bakery in one unit, and a restaurant / hot food takeaway in another, which would create 16 full-time jobs once operational.

The opening hours would be 8am to 10pm, and there is no ‘drive through’ feature proposed.

Mold has been without a Greggs since its High Street store closed in 2019, and earlier this year KFC listed the town as a potential venue for a new restaurant on its website.

The planning statement submitted with the application earlier this year said: “The car parking for the site will be with 13 car parking spaces provided, although this car parking will include dedicated disabled car parking bays. In addition, four Sheffield stands are proposed to accommodate cycle parking spaces.

“Collectively the proposals will deliver approximately 16 full time equivalent jobs. Further jobs will also be created through the construction and fit-out of the unit, as well as ongoing maintenance such as site security and maintenance.

“The proposals result in a number of positive impacts, including increasing the employment opportunities available to the local community, significant investment into the local economy, and improved choice for local residents that will strengthen the long-term vitality and viability of Mold town centre.”

Flintshire Council’s planning committee will make a decision on the application at their meeting on Wednesday (December 14).
By Rory Sheehan – Local Democracy Reporter (more here).