Planners 'sorry' for parking, obesity and litter problems new Domino's takeaway may cause
News September 12, 2025

Planners 'sorry' for parking, obesity and litter problems new Domino's takeaway may cause

'We know there are going to be problems with parking on the High Street and the frequency but we can’t address it'

Local planners have expressed regret over potential issues a new Domino's takeaway restaurant may bring to the High Street, acknowledging likely increases in parking difficulties, obesity concerns, and litter. While granting permission for the development, officials admitted they are aware of the challenges but feel powerless to fully mitigate them.

The decision to approve the Domino's location has stirred considerable debate within the community. Residents have voiced concerns about the already strained parking situation on the High Street, fearing that the added demand from delivery drivers and customers picking up orders will exacerbate the problem. Planners conceded that an increase in parking congestion is almost inevitable, particularly during peak hours, potentially impacting other local businesses and residents. "We know there are going to be problems with parking on the High Street and the frequency, but we can’t address it," a planning spokesperson stated, highlighting the limitations they face in addressing such issues.

Beyond parking, the potential impact on public health has also been raised. With the readily available option of fast food, some worry about the potential for increased obesity rates within the community, particularly among young people. While planners acknowledged these concerns, they emphasized that they cannot legally restrict businesses based solely on the perceived impact on dietary habits.

Litter is another significant concern. The anticipation of increased pizza boxes and other takeaway packaging discarded on the streets has prompted anxieties about the cleanliness and appearance of the High Street. While waste management services are in place, residents fear that the existing provisions will be insufficient to cope with the additional waste generated by the new Domino's.

Despite these acknowledged drawbacks, the planning committee ultimately approved the application, citing potential economic benefits and the applicant's compliance with existing regulations. However, the admission of foreseeable problems has left some residents feeling that their concerns were not adequately addressed and that the long-term consequences for the High Street were not fully considered. The council is urging residents to report any issues related to parking, litter, and antisocial behavior to the appropriate authorities to help monitor the situation and potentially implement future mitigation measures if necessary.
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