Outcry against Domino's in England's smallest town

At just 19 hectares (47 acres), Manningtree is the smallest town in England when it comes to geographical size

Plans to open a Domino's takeaway in England's smallest town have been met with a tidal wave of objections from residents.

The fast food chain has submitted a planning application to open at a former bank in Manningtree.

Businesses and residents in the Essex town fear the pizza giant will take a slice out of the High Street's character and independent retailer Sarah Mawkes said it would cause a "slow erosion of culture".

A Domino's spokeswoman said it was "committed to making a positive impact" in communities.

The blueprints submitted to Tendring District Council targeted a vacant Barclays building, which closed in June 2023.

Domino's claimed its new branch would create 25 jobs and open between 11:00 and 23:00 daily.

More than 120 comments have been made on the planning application - the vast majority of which are objections.

The building has been empty since Barclays vacated it in June 2023

Ms Mawkes, who runs The Wholefood Store, said the plan "threatens the identity, values and environmental integrity" of the town.

"We've built something rare here in Manningtree - a living, breathing example of how small towns can thrive by supporting one another," Ms Mawkes said.

Sarah Mawkes, right, opened The Wholefood Store in 1998

Manningtree High Street is awash with independent businesses

Manningtree is the smallest town in England when it comes to geographical size, at just 19 hectares (47 acres).

Tesco Express is the only big name brand on the High Street and the town has several independent takeaways.

High Street resident Sophie Edwards added: "The Barclays building is one of the first buildings you see when entering the town.

"To be greeted by a Domino's sign would be totally out of place for our historic town."

'April Fools'

Rowan Hunter says having Domino's next door will damage the aesthetic of his shop

Domino's said it would create two parking spaces at the rear of the building.

Rowan Hunter, who runs neighbouring shop The Stour Store, said approving the application would "open the floodgates" to further development.

"It would be a complete eyesore compared to the other businesses."

The site is also next to a Post Office and lies opposite a tearoom.

Sally Johns, from Mistley, added: "It almost feels like an April Fools gag, so ridiculous is the idea."

Catherine Arnold, a nutritional therapist who also lives in Mistley, highlighted the obesity rate in the UK, which has been ranked as the highest in western Europe.

"Adding another ultra-processed food outlet to the town is detrimental to health," she told the BBC.

'Employment opportunities'

But Stephen Ivell, from Lawford, accused those objecting to the plan of being unable to cope with change.

He said "the demographics of the area have changed", arguing younger families would "welcome additional choices".

In documents submitted to the council, Domino's argued there was demand in the area for its service.

The firm said it had a plan to manage litter and was experienced in creating "complementary storefronts".

"We bring the joy of the occasional takeaway to customers across the country and use data and local market knowledge to identify where there is demand for our store," the spokeswoman said.

"We also provide employment and development opportunities for local people."

Tendring District Council is consulting on the plans until May.