An empty high street shop could be transformed into a Domino’s – but residents say there are too many takeaways.
The former Carpet News shop could be serving up pizzas if plans are approved.
The West End High Street premises has remained vacant since December last year following the closure of the carpet shop.
It forms a row of businesses on the high street, including a hair salon, a kebab shop, an Indian takeaway and a Chinese takeaway.
The row of shops, and the vacant carpet shop, far left, on West End High Street (Image: Newsquest)
But residents have mixed views on the proposed plans, with some saying there are too many food outlets already.
Lucy Vale and Leanne Vale often visit the high street from their home in Harefield.
Lucy said: “I didn’t know there were plans for Domino’s. There are too many takeaways and restaurants.”
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For Leanne, it’s preferable to have a used shop than an empty one.
She said: “I think it would be good to have a Domino’s, but it would be nice to have something like a CD shop here.
“It would be better to have the shop filled than empty, and Domino’s isn’t bad. I probably will use it if plans are approved.”
Simone Parkes, who lives in West End, echoed these thoughts.
She said: “It was a shame when the carpet shop closed as I had used them on a number of occasions.
“Although I doubt that West End High Street needs another fast-food takeaway, I think it is preferable to having an empty shop.”
And another resident, who did not want to be named, said the chosen location for a Domino’s outlet was ‘sensible’.
She said: “It will do well and will complete the range of fast-food choices in the area.
“I’d rather see the shops on the high street occupied and creating jobs for people than have empty shops going to ruin.
“The area is already busy in the evening because of the pub and other food outlets so it seems like quite a sensible place for it to go.”
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Steven Broomfield, councillor for West End and Horton Heath, is encouraging people to contact their council and councillors to raise objections or show support.
He said: “Obviously an empty shop is never good, and if approved, Domino’s will bring a degree of employment.
“I would probably express some concerns as it may also generate extra traffic because of delivery drivers coming and going, and parking isn’t great.
“West End High Street is a very busy road so one would hope that thought is given to highways safety, if approved.
“The whole road seems to be takeaways and hairdressers. I can see the benefits and the pitfalls.”
The consultation period for the application ends on July 5, with a decision set to be made on August 1.