Planners fear extra noise from 5am pizzas

Dominos Pizza in West Street, Sheffield, applied to Sheffield Council to extend its opening hours saying the "vast majority" of its products were home delivered rather than collected.

The company which runs the shop under franchise says all of its delivery drivers were instructed to park considerately and enter and leave their vehicles quietly, particularly at night.

But the application, which is due to be considered by the council's licensing committee tomorrow has been opposed by planning officers because of the shop's location.

In a letter to the committee, head of planning Phil Abbott says: "Having considered the application I am aware that the premises are located within a mixed commercial and residential area.

"I have concerns that there is a potential for noise nuisance to occur from patrons arriving at and leaving the premises and from the mopeds and cars making deliveries from the premises, particularly in light of the hours requested.

"In my view this would be contrary to one of the key licensing objectives of public nuisance, bearing in mind that background noise levels will have dropped significantly at this time.

"There are residential properties opposite the site in the Cavendish Buildings and in close proximity at West One and on Devonshire Street to the rear, which are all highly likely to be disturbed by noise nuisance.

"The proposed hours of opening are well in excess of what could be considered to be reasonable in this location."

Under its original planning permission, the shop was granted opening hours until 11.30pm on any day. If those hours are increased without permission the shop could face legal action from the council.

The company which runs the shop has been invited to the meeting to explain its request.