A new branch of pizza takeaway Papa Johns has opened in the former Lloyds Bank building in Maldon High Street, despite previous objections from the Council.

In a statement, the pizza chain announced its new Maldon store will offer delivery to customers who live within a one-mile radius this week. A spokesperson added it will be "opening up delivery to a full five-mile radius in the coming weeks".

Following two rejections by Maldon District Council, the pizza chain was finally given the green light in December.

Maldon Town Council objected to a previous application in September last year, over grounds the location was "inappropriate" for a takeaway restaurant.

The objection stated: "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."

In 2021, 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, an Italian restaurant.

Earlier this month, a representative for Papa Johns applied for partly retrospective planning application for the shop's storefront. A Papa Johns spokesperson has since been approached for comment.

What do you think about the latest addition to the High Street? Get in touch to let us know.

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