A new Domino’s Pizza is set to open on the site of a former bank in High Wycombe.

Plans for the pizza giant to convert the former Barclays bank in New Road, Cressex, into a Domino’s branch have been given the green light despite concerns from residents and a local councillor.

Cllr Brian Pearce, who lives in High Wycombe, said he was worried the takeaway branch would encourage “groups of youths playing loud music from their cars”, adding: “Also when there is a meeting place such as listed above, it also frequently tends to encourage drug dealing.

“One does not want to see empty shops but at the same time, what we do not wish is to fill in with shops regardless of the consequences.

“I believe that the more takeaways we encourage, the more antisocial behaviour will be found and, of course, another problem associated with such establishments is litter, rubbish and vermin.

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“If there is yet another fast-food takeaway, apart from the problems listed above, I also think that it will encourage criminal activity.”

Other residents also raised concerns about antisocial behaviour, litter and drug-dealing, and said there are already a number of takeaways in the area.

Developers wrote in the design and access statement that the takeaway would “generate a number of full-time and part-time employment opportunities,” with employees “sourced locally”.

They added: “The proposed change of use would allow for the reuse of a commercial unit which has been vacant since April 2020 and would increase footfall and reintroduce an active frontage at the site.”

Developers also said the “the reoccupation of the site” would “enhance the vitality and viability of the area”.

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Commending the plans, resident Saeed Mughal wrote: “I think it’s a fantastic idea and well done to Dominos pizza for investing here.

“There’s so many empty retail units around high Wycombe, we need more of them occupied before they become derelict and kill our retail sector.”

The takeaway will be open from 11am to 11pm Sundays to Thursdays, and 11am to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.