Greggs: Health board loses bid to stop Pontypool expansion

The health board had objected to the planning application to Torfaen council on the grounds of the change of use of the building, thought to have previously been a Superdrug store.

Planning officer Tom Braithwaite said the type of goods sold could not “prejudice the favourable determination of this application” as it was for mixed retail and food and drink uses.

It could therefore be operated by any business in those use classes, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Mr Braithwaite said the health board’s complaint about the proximity to an educational site had been given “limited weight”, with the council having limited power to address such concerns.

Concerns about the expansion resulting in too many food and drink outlets in the town were dismissed, with Mr Braithwaite saying the selection of goods sold would not harm the “vitality” of the town centre.