PLANS for fast food chain Domino’s Pizza to convert a church hall in Burnham have been criticised for its design.

The pizza outlet has applied to turn St Mary’s Church Hall, in Station Road, into its latest outlet, opening from 11am until 11pm.

But Maldon District Council’s conservation team have objected to the plans saying it is not in-style with the traditional shopfronts of the town.

The council’s environmental health officer John Fairweather has already objected to the plans and residents are concerned about the smell and noise from the takeaway.

In a report to the council, Tim Howson, conservation officer, said: “I strongly object to the proposal.

“The enlargement of the street-fronting windows and the new shopfront would be in complete discordance with the architectural style of the building and the special character of the Burnham Conservation Area.

“I do not object in principle to a shopfront being installed but I would recommend that cues are taken from the style of the building and the wealth of traditional shopfronts which are such a feature of Burnham.”

He said the scheme presented an example of “poor shopfront design”.

Maldon District Council is yet to make a decision on the scheme.