Residents object to plans for Dominos in small Essex town
The pizza chain has made an application to take over a former bank
Residents of a small town in Essex have made their objections to open a takeaway pizza shop strongly known.
Dominos has submitted a planning application to open at a former bank in Manningtree. This would create around 25 jobs.
In terms of geographical size Manningtree is England's smallest town.
Locals are concerned about the impact the takeaway could have on traffic and how it may affect the town's 'distinctive independent character'.
The plans also want to change the rear mews building to allow for staff and delivery driver parking from Stour Street.
The application says: "The change of use will reinstate an active use and frontage into vacant premises benefitting footfall and improving the vitality of the town centre.
"It has also been evidenced that the change of use will not result in significant amenity concerns in relation to potential noise or odour from the unit.
"The alterations to the mews building at the rear to accommodate off-street parking for staff and delivery drivers has been demonstrated to result in ‘less than substantial harm’ at a low to moderate level on the spectrum of harm in regard to Grade II listed return to numbers 1 and 2 Stour Street.
"The identified harm is easily outweighed by the benefits generated by its sympathetic design and surrounding highways benefit by creating further town centre parking spaces."
More than 100 objections
More than 100 comments have been made on the planning application and all of them are objections.
One letter of objection said the introduction of the pizza chain would change the town for the worse: "Manningtree prides itself on a High Street of distinctive independent character, free from the dominance of global fast-food chains. Currently, no international takeaway chains operate within Manningtree. This is increasingly rare in Britain today.
"Residents and visitors alike cherish Manningtree’s small-town charm, which is defined by local businesses, historic architecture, and a sense of place. Introducing a Domino’s Pizza at a prominent High Street location would fundamentally alter the town’s retail makeup. It sets a precedent for other chains to follow, potentially opening the floodgates to the “cloning” of our High Street."
Concern for independent businesses
"I strongly object to the proposed Domino's outlet in Manningtree. Manningtree is renowned for its historic charm and unique character.
"The town already has several independent pizza and takeaway businesses that serve the community well. Introducing a large chain risks undermining these local enterprises, which are integral to the town's unique character."
Tendring Council will rule on the application.