Maldon District Council has refused permission for a new branch of Papa John's at the former Lloyds Bank building in Maldon High Street, citing traffic fears.

Representatives for the pizza chain had applied for a 'change of use', in order to turn the former bank into a 'hot food takeaway'.

The proposal also referred to 'minor external alterations' to the rear of the property, in 68 High Street.

However, Maldon District Council denied planning permission, saying: "The Applicant has not demonstrated, to an acceptable degree, that the proposed development would not result in a detrimental impact on highway safety or the free flow of traffic.

"The proposed development is, therefore, contrary to policies T2 and D1 of the Local Development Plan and Government guidance contained within the NPPF."

Maldon Town Council also supported the refusal, due in part to the loss of Class E usage, which includes shops, offices, cafes, and restaurants.

If change of use permission had been granted, the building would have become 'Sui Generis', meaning it would not fall within any particular planning class.

A spokesperson for the Town Council said: "The location is inappropriate for a takeaway restaurant.

"The building is located on a busy mini roundabout, in the very narrow High Street, and the Town Council is concerned highway safety would be jeopardised [if] patrons stopped their vehicles on or near the roundabout, as seen regularly in other locations on the High Street."

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Last year, the pizza giant applied to change the former Maldon Discount store into a hot food takeaway. Maldon District Council refused permission as they said the loss of the existing retail unit would "create a continuous frontage of non-retail units".

The building has since been merged with Venice Gelato to form SALT, a new Italian restaurant which is set to open later this year.

It is not yet known whether Papa John's will appeal the Council's latest decision.

A spokesperson for Papa Johns (GB) Ltd has been approached for comment.

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