Dominos plan for Manningtree takeaway sparks anger from residents
Plans to open a Dominos takeaway in England's smallest town have been met with a tidal wave of objections from residents.The fast food chain has submitted a planning application to open at a former bank in Manningtree.Businesses and residents in the Essex town fear the pizza giant will take a slice out of the High Street's character and independent retailer Sarah Mawkes said it would cause a "slow erosion of culture".A Dominos spokeswoman said it was "committed to making a positive impact" in communities.
The blueprints submitted to Tendring District Council targeted a vacant Barclays building, which closed in June 2023.Dominos claimed its new branch would create 25 jobs and open between 11:00 and 23:00 daily.
Ms Mawkes, who runs The Wholefood Stores, said the plan "threatens the identity, values and environmental integrity" of the town."We've built something rare here in Manningtree - a living, breathing example of how small towns can thrive by supporting one another," Ms Mawkes said.More than 80 comments have been made on the planning application - all of which are objections.
Manningtree is the smallest town in England when it comes to geographical size, at just 19 hectares (47 acres).Tesco Express is the only big name brand on the High Street and the town has several independent takeaways.High Street resident Sophie Edwards added: "The Barclays building is one of the first buildings you see when entering the town."To be greeted by a Dominos sign would be totally out of place for our historic town."
'April Fools'
Dominos said it would create two parking spaces at the rear of the building.Rowan Hunter, who runs neighbouring shop The Stour Store, said approving the application would "open the floodgates" to further development."It would be a complete eyesore compared to the other businesses."
The site is also next to a Post Office and lies opposite a tearoom.Sally Johns, from Mistley, added: "It almost feels like an April Fools gag, so ridiculous is the idea."Catherine Arnold, a nutritional therapist who also lives in Mistley, highlighted the obesity rate in the UK, which has been ranked as the highest in western Europe."Adding another ultra-processed food outlet to the town is detrimental to health," she told the BBC.
'Employment opportunities'
In documents submitted to the council, Dominos argued there was demand in the area for its service.The firm said it had a plan to manage litter and was experienced in creating "complementary storefronts"."We bring the joy of the occasional takeaway to customers across the country and use data and local market knowledge to identify where there is demand for our store," the spokeswoman said."We also provide employment and development opportunities for local people."Tendring District Council is consulting on the plans until May.
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