A pizza chain’s plans to open in Whitton that were heavily criticised by locals have been halted over issues with parking.

Councillors voted to refuse a proposal by Domino’s to turn a former bank branch in the High Street into a takeaway at a meeting of the Planning Committee on January 30.

Officials recommended the application be refused because they did not think there was enough off-street parking for delivery vehicles.

Councillors agreed, voting down the plans for that reason.

The prospect of a Domino’s in the high street had proved controversial, with dozens of residents writing to the council to object.

They were concerned about noise from delivery mopeds, smells from the kitchen and unhealthy food.

One wrote: “There is already a pizza shop in the high street and we certainly don’t need another.

“Never mind the fact that pizza has to be one of the most unhealthy types of food, the disruption and effect on the residents of Tranmere Road would be most unacceptable.

“It is likely also that it will lead to a gathering place in the High Street for youngsters late into the evening which in turn could possibly lead to further anti social behaviour. We just don’t need it”

Many of them also mentioned the proximity to St Edmund’s Catholic Primary School and Nelson Primary School (225m and 250m distant respectively).

Domino’s had offered to not serve over the counter until 4.30pm to try to stop schoolchildren buying pizza there.

And not all of the responses were negative; some residents had written to the council in support of the proposed pizza joint.

One said: “People concerned about another fast food outlet should try to open a soup kitchen or salad bar and see if it gets any business.

“People eat a lot of fast food, some unhealthy, but its their choice and it’s about choice. We cannot stop shops coming just because there is an obesity crisis.”

Domino’s has been approached for comment.