PLANS for a new pizza takeaway in the town centre has divided public opinion.
Pizza takeaway and delivery company, Papa John’s, has applied for permission to change the use of 12 Bank Street – formerly occupied by the Card Factory – from a shop to a hot food takeaway.
Whilst some residents have welcomed the idea, others have said that the town already has enough takeaway shops.
“No, we’ve already got pizza places,” said one local in response to the story about the plans in the last issue of the Melksham News, “support the already existing local independents.”
“I hope not, we have enough food takeaways,” said another.
In support of the news, a resident said, “Better than an empty shop.”
“Bringing more employment to the town, great idea,” added another.
“It’s a great idea. More competition, more challenge, better food, better service,” said one local.
Discussing the application as their economic development and planning meeting last week, Melksham Town Council raised no objections.
However, councillors agreed to ask that if approved by Wiltshire Council, a condition be added to the approval that pizza delivery vehicles be banned from parking in front of the shop – on the road and the pavement – on Bank Street.
Consultation on the application closes on Friday 5th February. To view the application, search using the reference 20/10674/FUL on the Wiltshire Council planning website – www. wiltshire.gov.uk/planning-applications-search
