A major bakery chain can now proceed with outdoor seating at one of its Newport locations after receiving planning approval.

City of Newport planning officials have sanctioned the scheme for a seating area at the bakery in Ringland.

Greggs PLC submitted the plans, which detail a compact external area at the front of the shop within the Ringland Centre development, situated near Ringland Circle.

This marks the second such approval in recent weeks. The layout involves placing two tables flanking the entrance beneath the current canopy structure.

The seating will protrude approximately two metres from the shop front and incorporate lightweight furniture similar to that found at other hospitality venues.

Planning officers considered the proposal appropriately sized and well-suited to the commercial character of the surroundings.

The local authority’s planning department awarded full permission to Greggs through a delegated report, subject to requirements concerning furniture details and conformity to approved drawings.

Officers determined that the outdoor furniture, typical of commercial districts, would enhance street activity without compromising the area’s appearance.

The tables and chairs were not considered obtrusive or disruptive to the wider streetscape.

The assessment also examined potential effects on neighbouring residents, concluding there was no justification to refuse permission on grounds of residential amenity.

Officers observed that due to the limited size of the installation and its expected focus on daytime trading, there would be no substantial rise in noise or disturbance beyond what the business already produces.

Highways officials raised no objections, noting the location falls within a pedestrianised zone that does not form part of an adopted road or heavily used walking route.

Although the arrangement will affect foot traffic beneath the canopy, it will remain within the support columns, preserving adequate clearance for pedestrians travelling between the bicycle shelter and the seating space.

Consequently, the authority determined the Greggs plans would not hinder or compromise pedestrian movement.

While planning policy typically requires even minor developments to incorporate biodiversity measures, officers considered such demands unreasonable for a small project on previously developed land.

Overall, the Greggs Ringland seating proposal was judged consistent with both local and national planning policy and received approval with conditions.

These encompass approval of furniture specifications and compliance with the approved drawings.