Planning for a Domino’s Pizza takeaway at the closed Nelson Police Station has been given the go ahead despite local opposition.
Permission was granted to change the use of the property, on Dynevor Terrace, at a planning meeting on August 6 after it was confirmed the building had been sold by Gwent Police earlier this year.
The station was originally opened in 1998 and was first earmarked for closure in 2009.
Nelson Independent Councillor, Anne Blackman, criticised the planning committee’s decision, saying the 10.5 metre delivery lorry and 12 delivery drivers employed would cause congestion and nuisance to residents.
She said: “On August 6 1998 the chair of Gwent Police Authority opened the police station in Nelson. On August 6 2014 this Labour controlled council had the nerve to say we don’t need it any more and opened a Domino’s takeaway.
“That’s what they think of the people of Nelson.”
At the meeting the councillor raised a number of concerns she said residents had expressed to her regarding the takeaway, including the effect on small businesses.
She said: “If allowed, householders in Ashgrove Terrace will suffer from noise nuisance because of the commercial activity until 11pm at night and probably much later, thus not being able to enjoy their homes and gardens – particularly in the fine summer evenings, such as those we have all been enjoying this year.
“Those householders living in Dynevor Terrace will also suffer a deterioration in their enjoyment of their homes, not only for the same reasons as noise and possibly smell nuisance, but also because of the traffic impact this business will have upon their residential amenity.
“Sadly, there is nothing unique about a Domino’s Pizza. I think its fair to describe them as a ‘global company’, the attraction of Nelson is that it’s a commercial centre of individual small and medium enterprises.
“The council itself puts a lot of effort into promoting these businesses on our high streets. To allow this development would be undermining the work being done by the council itself.
“The applicant states 25 jobs could be created. I fear more would be lost via the closure of businesses.”
Caerphilly County Borough Council defended the planning process and decision.
A council spokesperson said: “The decision to grant permission, as ever, followed a full and thorough process by the council’s officers and Planning Committee.
“This included a site visit where members were able to fully appreciate and evaluate the proposals.
“In reaching its decision, in response to concerns raised at the site visit, the Planning Committee agreed to amend a condition limiting when the public could be on the premises, and to add an extra condition seeking improvements to the lay-by at the front of the site.”
A Domino’s Pizza spokesperson welcomed the store in Nelson, claiming it would benefit the area.
They said: “We are delighted to have just been granted planning approval to open a new store in Nelson. Work will begin on the store shortly and we’re looking forward to delivering freshly made pizza to local residents in the near future.
“Opening a new store in Nelson will generate around 25 to 35 new jobs for local people.
“Domino’s Pizza takes its role as a responsible neighbour very seriously and our franchisees work very hard to play an active role in the community, not only by delivering great tasting pizza but also by supporting numerous local charities, groups and events.”