DOMINO’S Pizza is bidding to deliver a new takeaway to Great Dunmow town centre – but concerns that it could chaos to the area are hotting up.

The franchise pizza delivery corporation, which has about 800 stores around the UK and Ireland, has submitted a planning application to Uttlesford District Council giving details of how it plans to change an office into a fast-food takeaway. It includes new windows and entrance, installation of an extract duct and air compressors, and provision for nine parking spaces.

Domino’s says the takeaway on Station Road would generate 25 to 30 jobs for local people.

However, residents and councillors have written to the planning authority in their droves voicing objections.

Scores of letters have been submitted to UDC by residents, mostly surrounding fears over the impact on parking, noise, increased litter and vermin. One resident said it could have a “devastating effect on this small community”.

Dunmow Town Council has also raised concerns over parking and the potential increase in noise and disturbance for residents. In its letter to the planning authority, the town council stated: “Customers visiting the site will seek to park in Station Road, a residential street, creating increased road congestion, danger to other road users and pedestrians, and traffic emissions. There is already conflict between residential and commercial traffic – this proposal would exacerbate it.”

The council also voiced concerns about the design, adding: “No proposals for branding signage or lighting have been produced. Members are aware of the brand and object on the grounds that it will be out of character in a residential area where the properties are predominantly Victorian.”

Claims have also been made the takeaway could increase the potential for crime. Andy Bonham, environmental health officer at Uttlesford District Council, said: “It is proposed to be open until midnight, and I can see it becoming a beacon for night-time revellers in what is mostly a residential area.”

Commenting on its plans for the new store, a spokesperson for Domino’s Pizza said: “We take our role as a responsible neighbour very seriously and our franchisees work very hard to play an active role in the community, not only by delivering great tasting pizza but also by supporting numerous local charities, groups and events.

“In addition, our business model – whereby around 70 per cent of our product is delivered to people in their homes – reduces traffic movements and litter.

“We are looking forward to proving to the residents of Great Dunmow that Domino’s is a positive contributor to the community and with our new local, more subtle store design, we are confident the store will be aesthetically pleasing too.”

A decision on whether to grant the change of use is expected to be made by UDC at the end of this month.

• SHOULD Domino’s Pizza be allowed to open a takeaway in Dunmow? E-mail editor@dunmow-broadcast.co.uk