PROPOSALS for a pizza takeaway to replace a long-standing newsagent less than 200 yards away from a near identical site has been heavily criticised.

With three pizza takeaways already trading within 0.2 miles of each other, developers Hala Group want to open another in Lower Blandford Road in Broadstone.

The group, which is one of the largest franchisees of Domino's in the UK, have seen their plans to transform the existing Broadstone News/Daily Echo newsagent into a takeaway recommended for approval by council planners.

However, residents and ward councillors are fighting the proposals – which have been called in to be decided by BCP Council’s planning committee on Thursday, March 16.

Bournemouth Echo:

Cllr Mike Brooke ‘red carded’ the proposals to be decided at committee and he said it “would individually or cumulatively harm the character of the area creating an overconcentration of food and drink uses”.

While Domino’s is not mentioned in an official capacity by the applicant, Hala Group is a known franchisee and residents objecting named the major chain as the unit proposed.

One resident said: “I object based on the fact that Lower Blandford Road does not need to be taken over by a major food delivery chain. Broadstone hosts many take away stores already including several already hosting pizza deliveries.”

Shirley Worner of the Broadstone Neighbourhood Forum said: “This is currently a newsagents and has been so for over 40 years. It adds to the diversity of the shops available in Broadstone and contributes significantly to the footfall in the village.

Bournemouth Echo: Lower Blandford Road in Broadstone.Lower Blandford Road in Broadstone. (Image: Google)

“There are five other takeaways in the high street, not including the cafes, pub and more takeaways a short walk away.

“This will cause the overconcentration of takeaways in the village and not add to the diversity of the shops and units available to the public.”

Applicants Pegasus Group on behalf of Hala said: “The proposed change of use will make a positive use of a commercial unit within a district centre and support the vitality and viability of the area by introducing an active use throughout the day time and evening at the site generating a good level of footfall and providing job opportunities for local residents.”

Pegasus also stated it has served notice on the current landlord.