Papa John's will not be opening a new takeaway restaurant on Maldon High Street, after its application was refused by the district council today (Wednesday, 6 October).

The pizza chain had hoped to open a new store on the ground floor area of 102D High Street, which is currently the convenience store Maldon Discount.

But, in a decision issued today, planning officers rejected the application on the basis that it would result in the "loss of an existing retail unit within a primary retail area" and would "create a continuous frontage of three non-retail units".

Officers said that this would be "detrimental" to the retail character of the designated shopping area on the High Street.

They added that the "incongruous" shopfront would "appear out of keeping with the appearance of the street scene and would fail to preserve or enhance the character of the Maldon Conservation Area".

The town council had previously recommended approval of the plans, although members had raised concerns about it taking money out of the town.