Planning Application Submitted For Possible Greggs At Riverside Gallery Building In Stafford
- Chris Shepherd
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
A planning application has been submitted for possible changes to the Riverside Gallery building on Greyfriars Place in Stafford.
The application relates to the building at:
Riverside Gallery, Greyfriars Place, Stafford, ST16 2SD
The planning application is for works that would allow Greggs to occupy the building in the future. However, the current business, Riverside Gallery, has made clear that it is not closing down at this stage.
What has been submitted?
The planning application reference is:
25/41572/FUL
The application was received on Wednesday 17 December 2025 and validated on Wednesday 8 April 2026.
The proposal is listed as:
Demolition of the front structures of the building
Confirmation of use of the rear part of the building for Class E use
Changes to allow Greggs to occupy the building
Creation of a shopfront
Addition of plant equipment
The application is currently listed as awaiting decision.
Riverside Gallery says the business is not closing down
After seeing the planning application, I contacted Riverside Gallery to give the current business a chance to explain the situation.
Sean from Riverside Gallery replied to say that they are not closing down.
He explained that Greggs has expressed an interest in the building, which is why the planning application has been submitted. However, he also said this is still at the initial stages of a long process.
Sean said there are still “many hurdles to overcome” before anything is signed with Greggs.
He also explained that, due to Greggs’ current fit-out schedule, if the plans did move forward, it would not be until late 2027 or early 2028.
Riverside Gallery would look for new premises in Stafford if the plan progressed, but this would not happen until closer to those dates.
So, the key point is:
Riverside Gallery is not closing down at this stage, and the current business says it will not be affected for now.
What would the proposed Greggs include?
The documents say items would be sold for eating in or taking away. They also say the proposed store would include a customer area with indoor seating, plus back-of-house space.
The supporting statement says the proposed opening hours would be:
Monday to Saturday: 6am to 11pm
Sunday: 8am to 6pm
It also says the proposed Greggs unit would create four full-time jobs and eight part-time jobs, with local recruitment planned.
What changes are proposed to the building?
The planning documents say the proposal includes demolishing the front two structures of the building and using the rear warehouse element for the proposed Greggs unit.
A new shopfront would be created, including glazed doors and an additional window. The documents also refer to air conditioning units and an extract vent being added to the building.
The planning agent says the changes would create a more active frontage onto Greyfriars Place.
Has the application been approved?
No. The application is currently listed as awaiting decision.
This means Stafford Borough Council has not yet made a final decision.
People can view the application and make an official comment through the Stafford Borough Council planning portal.
Application link:
Highways response
A response from Staffordshire County Council’s Highway Authority recommends refusal of the application.
The highways response says the submitted application does not provide enough off-highway parking, turning and manoeuvring space for the proposed development. It says this could increase the chance of vehicles being parked on the public highway and could affect highway safety.
This does not mean the application has been refused. It is a consultee response that Stafford Borough Council will consider before making a decision.
What happens next?
Stafford Borough Council will consider the application, including the submitted documents and any official comments.
At this stage:
The application has been submitted
The application is awaiting a decision
Riverside Gallery says it is not closing down
Any possible move would not be expected until late 2027 or early 2028, if the plans progress
People can view or comment on the application online
For full details or to make an official comment, visit the Stafford Borough Council planning application page:
Comments