Plans for new branches of Subway and Greggs in Eaton Socon have been approved

The application, which was submitted by planning agents Peacock and Smith, on behalf of Quora Cambourne LTD, proposed a Greggs bakers, Subway sandwich shop and a Brewers decorator centre, to be located in Howard Road, Eaton Socon.

It was approved by Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) at the meeting, held at Pathfinder House, despite fears raised by town councillors, who wanted to see local businesses take up the retail space.

The town council said it was concerned about the number of large national businesses in the town and wanted to encourage Huntingdonshire businesses.

The three businesses will be located on the same development as B&M Bargains, Pets at Home and Aldi.

The application, put before HDC in July, stated: “Proposals seek to develop three units that will integrate into the wider retail park setting, whilst providing a further 22 car parking spaces.

“The area is surrounded by a mix of commercial and retail uses.”

The application follows the approval of a previous planning application, which received permission in March 2015, for the demolition of an existing building at the Howard Road site and erection of a retail development.

St Neots Town Council approved that application with the understanding that it would be used a “start-up employment floor space for businesses in the area”.

In a statement on the planning application, the town council said: “Both the planning, economic and retail statement and plans submitted in support of this application refer to ‘start up units’, ‘start up employment floor space’ and ‘starter units’.

“However, no condition was imposed on the decision notice to retain the approved floor space for this purpose alone.

“This application must be assessed on individual merit.”

Councillors also raised concerns over highway safety, traffic congestion, smells, and road access t.

The three stores are set to generate 10 full time jobs and 10 part-time jobs.