FUMING residents living in a quaint town are fighting back against plans to bring a Domino's Pizza to their high street,
Disgruntled locals in Manningtree, , say that the fast-food chain would detract from the town's “character and independent charm”.
Manningtree may be the smallest town in the UK, but locals say it’s big on character, and community spirit – and a Domino’s just doesn’t belong.
It has a vast history, with witchhunter Matthew Hopkins reportedly living there and Shakespeare travelling through, too.
Domino's has now submitted a planning application to convert the town’s old bank into a takeaway outlet.
But the move has sparked a flood of objections, with over 90 comments lodged so far against the new branch of the fast-food chain.
Residents have made their opinions known as they fiercely oppose plans for the new store slap bang in the middle of town.
Many fear the arrival of the pizza chain will damage Manningtree’s independent charm and change the nature of the town.
Local Sarah Mawkes, who runs The Wholefood Store on the high street, said: “As the owner of an independent proudly serving this community since 1998, I feel deeply concerned by the proposed opening of a Domino’s.
“This isn’t just about competition – it’s a shift that threatens the identity, values and environmental integrity of a place we all call home.”;
Residents say Manningtree is known for its small, sustainable businesses, local produce and tight-knit community.
And they worry the Domino’s model – involving high traffic from delivery vehicles and large amounts of disposable packaging – doesn’t fit the town’s ethos.
Mawkes added: “Manningtree might be the smallest town in , but what we lack in size, we make up for in spirit.
“Our businesses don’t just sell — they serve. They build , support local farmers, and work to reduce waste. Domino’s undermines all of that.”;
The town council describes Manningtree as “active, friendly and neighbourly”;, with a vibrant mix of shops, cafés and .
They say the town continues to thrive as a destination for visitors and locals alike.
However, many feel that could all change if Domino’s gets the go-ahead.
James Lewis added: “There are five existing options for takeaway pizza within a small radius of this site, including the sort of low quality fare Domino's offers.
“A business like this would materially detract from the character and independent charm of this small town and is not needed.”
The planning application is still under consideration.
A Domino’s spokesperson said: “At Domino’s, we are committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve and welcome the opportunity to collaborate with local authorities.
“We open stores in smaller and rural locations up and down the country and are very experienced at putting measures in place that will address the concerns that have been raised in Manningtree.
“We bring the joy of the occasional takeaway to customers across the country and use data and local market knowledge to identify where there is demand for our stores.
“We also provide and development opportunities for local people, with over 90% of our store managers starting their Domino’s careers as a delivery driver or pizza maker.”
