THE Greggs factory and office building in Penrith could be set for a facelift after council planners give the go-ahead for an extension the the current building.

The Greggs North Lakes Bakery on Gilwilly Industrial Estate would see a two-storey extension to the north east elevation consisting of around 200 square metres to the existing site.

The design and access statement submitted with the application states that the proposal is 'continual improvement across their estates to ensure that facilities for both production and staff are in line with the company targets of ongoing growth through investment'.

It says: "This particular extension targets the needs of the people who are employed at the site.

"Greggs recognizes that it is their people who make the business successful and therefore aim to provide them with a great place to work, where they feel valued and have the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

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"The proposal is to improve the facilities for staff by providing superior changing, toilet, and shower accommodation with internal access between floors to a new hot food provision staff canteen."

The statement says that while the site does not contain a retail shop, it constitutes a bakery which produces 'sweet treats such as brownies, gingerbread men and caramel shortbread'.

The planning decision report concludes: "The building is existing, with the inclusion of a proposed extension.

"It is considered to be a sympathetic addition which improve facilities at the site for the existing staff."