Locals in a traditional seaside town are battling plans for a new Domino’s pizza store. Residents argue Sheringham in Norfolk has more than 40 eateries already and that a new one with “eyesore signage” would not fit the feel of the town.
The plan, which has received 14 public comments against and one in support, comes just a matter of months after objectors lost a long battle to keep Tesco out of the town. Councillors denied the pizza house planning application in November on the grounds it would “result in harm to the vitality and viability” of the historic Victorian and Edwardian architecture.
However, developers DPSK Ltd, are now back with a written appeal, sent to the Planning Inspectorate, in a bid to open the branch. This is despite concerns around the potential for litter and the branch being “out of place”.
Sheringham has a population slightly north of 7,300 with more than 60% of residents over 50. Sylvia Jackson, who worked for the NHS for 27 years, said she was worried about new takeaways opening, given high obesity rates.
She said: “I’m appalled. We have lots of independent shops and eateries, and what makes Sheringham special is we don’t have the big chains like every other place.
“We already have a family run fabulous authentic pizza place. Sheringham has over 40 eateries, more than enough. A Domino’s would be totally out of place and the majority of local people and even tourists have commented they do not want it.”
In an appeal letter addressed to the Planning Inspectorate from development consultancy Pegasus Group, the company argues Domino’s status as a national chain is “not relevant” and that “the appeal should instead be determined based upon its individual merits”.
And on social media, not everyone agreed with the decision to refuse the planning application.
Shane Powis wrote on Facebook: “Unfortunately nothing else can afford to go there. Don’t blame the company, this will do more good than bad.
Commenter Steve Bailey added: “Let’s hope common sense prevails. What good is an empty shop other than to appease the NIMBYs.”
A final decision will be made later this year.
A Domino’s spokesman said: “At Domino’s, we are committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve and welcome collaboration with local authorities to explore ways to do that.
“We bring the joy of the occasional takeaway to customers across the country and use data and local market knowledge to understand where there is genuine demand for our brand.
“Our stores provide employment and development opportunities for local people, with over 90 per cent of our store managers starting their Domino’s careers as a delivery driver or pizza maker.”
