Slice of success for Domino's Pizza plan

11:56am Tuesday 20th May 2008

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In a potentially controversial move, Falmouth's councillors have offered no objections to plans proposing the conversion of an empty town centre office into a Domino's Pizza takeaway outlet.

Although members of the town council's planning committee indicated their "reluctance" to do so, they offered no objections to the application for 40 Killigrew Street/9 The Moor, provided there were no highway issues.

The decision split the council, with an initial proposal to recommend refusal of the plans narrowly failing by one vote. The subsequent proposal to offer no objections was passed by the same margin of a single vote.

The committee heard from Richard Unwin, on behalf of the Domino's Pizza Group, who told them his clients would be investing at least £250,000 into the business, which would generate employment.

"I think it would be a great addition to the retail area," he added.

In response to questions from councillors, Mr Unwin said the opening times were likely to be around midday until 11pm, adding: "We don't apply for late night premise licenses. We don't want that kind of business."

The outside appearance was likely to be a curved façade in red and blue and the sign could either be illuminated internally or externally.

Members also heard from former Falmouth police officer Mr Croft, who raised concerns about potential highway problems.

Mr Croft questioned where the pizza outlet's delivery vehicles would be parked and also where customers collecting pizzas would pull up.

Mr Croft added: "We are losing, again, an office space within the town. We are very slowly driving all offices out of the town."

Falmouth mayor Mike Varney said he was "disappointed" the proposal was another Italian-style establishment when two or three had only recently been opened it the town, in addition to a long-standing restaurant, but added: "Unfortunately we cannot dictate what goes in there."

He concluded: "Reluctantly, subject to highways there's not an awful lot we can do about it."

Councillor Diana Merrett believed there had recently been "far too many" applications for food outlets in the town, which was going to become "overpowered" with them.

But councillor John Body said: "Surely as a town we would like to see the premises being used for something rather than an empty shop, which is an eyesore? At the end of the day, if people don't want it they won't use it and it won't last long."

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