Papa John's bid to open a new takeaway restaurant in Maldon has been given the green light by town councillors.

The pizza chain submitted an application to open a new takeaway on Maldon High Street to replace the former convenience store Maldon Discount.

The town council's planning committee voted to recommend approval of the application last night (Monday, 6 September), despite raising concerns that it would take money out of the town.

Councillor David Ogg, the town mayor, said: "Any big company coming into this town takes money out of the town."

But Councillor Mark Heard, chairman of Maldon District Council, said: "The building as it is is hideous, so I think this will be an improvement."

The planning statement for the application says that it would ensure the "continued vitality and viability of the commercial centre".

It adds: "The introduction of Papa John's into the unit would ensure the unit remains occupied, reducing the risk of a further unit becoming vacant, provide local employment opportunities, meet a local need, and as such will increase pedestrian footfall within the locale."

Councillor Andrew Lay, deputy town mayor, said that the proposal would still lead to investment in the town because "it would employ local people".

The proposed hours of opening for the takeaway are 11am to 11pm seven days a week, including bank holidays.

Councillor Heard proposed to recommend approval of the application, subject to "the frontage of the shop being in keeping with the High Street".

This was voted through, with four councillors for and three against.

Maldon District Council will make the final decision.