Domino's wins fight against locals who say takeaway may drive down house prices

22 November 2023 , 20:17

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The Domino's is set to move in to a spot in the village of West Hesketh - but locals are furious (Image: Fitton Estates)

Furious villagers have lost a fight to stop the opening of a Domino's branch over fears its "clientele" could drive down house prices.

The pizza takeaway giants are to move in to a former salon in the quiet Lancashire village of Hesketh Bank. Plans were given the green light despite fears from neighbours about the 'crowd' the shop could pull.

Dozens of objections were put forward over the pizza shop. Among those opposing the move, several expressed concerns that it would negatively impact the village's existing pizza takeaway. Some also feared it could damage the rural village's image and potentially lower house prices.

One objector, Natalie Bretherton, wrote: "It is a small community and it should be kept with family run small businesses to make sure the money spent in the community stays within the community. Large franchises will bring the wrong clientele and take away the 'family' feeling you get with all the businesses within the area."

Others suggested there were more suitable locations for the franchise in nearby places such as Tarleton, LancsLive reports. However, a planning officer's report stated these were not valid reasons for refusal, noting "it is not the purpose of the planning system to regulate competition or promote independent/local operators over international competitors/franchises".

Man flies to Milan for pizza for less than the cost of ordering a Domino's

The report concluded that the application should be approved and planning permission has now been granted. The building has been on the market since November 2022 but hasn't attracted enough interest to continue its previous use.

The application states that the store will be open seven days a week from 11am-11pm and will employ 10 full-time staff members as well as 15 part-timers. Domino's plans to install a new shopfront and cladding over the building, with a separate application for various signage to follow. They argue that the seven parking spaces will be sufficient for the nature of their business.

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Susie Beever