Domino’s Pizza Plans Takeaway Next to Somerset Secondary School Sparks Concern

Domino’s Pizza is seeking approval to open a new takeaway outlet adjacent to Kings Academy in Cheddar, Somerset, raising concerns from the school community. If approved by Somerset Council’s planning committee north, the outlet would be situated at Saxon Place, near Tesco Express on A371 Station Road, just steps from the school’s entrance.

Domino’s already operates multiple locations across Somerset, including Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Taunton, Weston-super-Mare, and soon Wellington. The proposed site comprises units 5 and 6 of Saxon Place, previously home to Factory Bargains, with the takeaway entrance planned for unit 5’s ground floor. It will operate daily from 11am to 11pm, creating 10 full-time and 15 part-time jobs.

A spokesperson for Pegasus Group, representing Domino’s, emphasized the commercial nature of the area, home to businesses such as Tesco Express, a gym, and a Royal Mail sorting office. They highlighted that the proposal would boost the vitality of Cheddar’s town centre without impacting the village’s conservation area or heritage assets. Additionally, they assured adequate parking and an accessible location, posing no risks to highway safety.

However, Kings Academy’s headteacher, Joanne Cowper, has strongly opposed the plans. She warned that the proximity of fast food outlets threatens students’ health and academic performance. Cowper stated, “Easy access to fast food near schools undermines students' dietary choices and academic potential.” She highlighted research connecting fast food accessibility with rising obesity rates among children and argued that the development contradicts Somerset Council’s public health responsibilities and national planning guidelines aimed at limiting fast food outlets near schools.

The fate of the application will be decided by the planning committee meeting in Bridgwater on October 14 at 2pm. The session will be live-streamed via Microsoft Teams for public access.