Families in a traditional seaside town are fighting plans to introduce a new Domino’s pizza store.
Locals argue Sheringham in Norfolk has over 40 eateries already and that a new one with ‘eyesore signage’ would be out of place.
The proposal, which has received 14 public comments against and one in support, comes just a few months after objectors lost a long battle to keep Tesco out of the town.
Councillors refused 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.
But the developers, DPSK Ltd, are now back as they have submitted a written appeal 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 of just over 7,300 with upwards of 60 per cent aged 50 or more.
Local retiree Sylvia Jackson, who worked for the NHS for 27 years, said she was concerned about new takeaways opening given high obesity rates.
She added: ‘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.
‘More jobs and more tax money for the council.’
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 on the matter is due later this year.
In 2013, the town, which boasts a heritage railway and length beach promenade, saw its anti-supermarket campaigners face a blow when a Tesco superstore opened following a 17-year battle.
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.’