Dominos takeaway would ‘ruin’ Westbourne (From Thisisdorset)

Dominos takeaway would ‘ruin’ Westbourne

1:58pm Monday 21st May 2012 in News By Stephen Bailey

Seamoor Road in Westbourne, where traders are up in arms over plans to turn Mystique into a Dominos pizza shop

TRADERS are fighting to stop Dominos Pizza ‘ruining’ the atmosphere of Westbourne’s independent boutiques.

The fast food chain is considering moving into Seamoor Road when lingerie shop Mystique closes.

A landlord has applied for planning permission to change the unit into a takeaway.

Naomi Chown, 21, owner of nearby Polished nail salon and boutique, pictured inset, said: “I definitely do not want one. That would really, to me, ruin Westbourne’s feeling. I was in Winton next to a Dominos and I wouldn’t go back.”

Natalie Andrew, 36, owner of Beautiful bridal boutique, said: “Dominos is a big chain and Westbourne is known for smaller independents.

“It’s going to stop footfall and people will double park outside. And whenever the multiples come in our rates go up.”

Another trader said: “It’s not like a Prezzo, which is a bit nicer. It’s going to bring down the type of people.”

Westbourne Traders Association has objected to the planning application.

It said a takeaway would not help preserve the character of the area and the loss of shop units would reduce footfall.

The planning application says the scheme would keep the building’s features ‘where possible’.

And it said the development was in keeping with the ‘commercial aspect of the site’.

However, Ian Moors of Moors Brothers engravers wrote an objection, which said: “Westbourne certainly doesn’t need another food type business.

“Changing the features can only be another nail in the coffin of our village atmosphere.”

A spokesman for Domino’s Pizza confirmed: “We have been in touch with a prospective landlord in Westbourne regarding the possibility of a new store.”

Westbourne councillor John Beesley said he would look into the application.

He noted 70 per cent of Westbourne’s units are A1 (shop) use and there are ‘virtually no’ properties with A5 (hot takeaway) use.

The properties either side of Mystique are a barbers, a mini-market, an off-licence, a charity shop, a sandwich bar and a launderette.