A BRANCH of Greggs could soon replace a 'dilapidated' retail unit in Cleator Moor town centre after the company submitted a planning application.

The famous north eastern bakery chain have lodged plans with Cumberland Council to convert a vacant unit at 53 and 54 High Street, that used to be a Coral bookmaker, into a Greggs.

The chain already has an outlet in Cleator Moor at 2 High Street.

The Design and Access Statement submitted with the application says: "The present run down and dilapidated appearance of the building detracts from the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and the setting of the listed buildings.

"It is considered that the proposals, the renovation and refurbishment of the building and bringing it back into beneficial use will have a positive impact on the character and appearance of the Cleator Moor Conservation Area.

"It is further considered that the proposals will have a slight positive impact on the setting of listed council offices, library and memorial fountain within the Market Square."

The company proposes to install a new glazed aluminium shopfront, as well as new signage, extract ducts, and air conditioning condenser units.

Greggs has undergone large-scale expansion in recent years, having opened its 1500th store in York in 2013, to today having close to 2,500 outlets, including around 500 franchise partners.

The application refers to the type of food that will be prepared and how odour will be managed.

It says: "The majority of the food served within our premises is pre-prepared products baked off from frozen.

"We do not use cooking processes such as deep or shallow frying, grilling, griddling or any other more odorous kitchen processes."

It lists frozen savouries, multigrain and white baguettes, croissants, pizza slices, and breakfast products as being baked from frozen, with bacon being the only product being cooked from chilled.

The proposal would also make the bakery fully accessible.

The statement says: "The new entrance is to be level with the pavement, and provides adequate provision for access for the disabled.

"As we have an Open-Door trading policy, there will be unrestricted access at all times.

"We have an inclusive service policy which is available on request."

The proposal is currently being considered by Cumberland Council planners.