Plans to extend the opening hours of a new pizza takeaway in a village have been rejected.

Domino’s Pizza wanted to trade until midnight from Sundays to Thursdays, and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays at its yet-to-open unit in Walderslade, near Chatham.

In July, the company was granted permission to open until 11pm every night, but claimed “the hours of opening need to be extended to allow flexibility for the predicted demand at this location”.

Speaking as ward councillor, Cllr David Brake (Con) said the additional proposal for the former HSBC branch in Walderslade Road had taken residents “by shock” as all existing businesses in the village close by 11.30pm.

He told planning committee members last night (October 24): “What we have here is an applicant that has gone one step too far, and is really going against the spirit in which we allowed this application to go forward in the first place.

“We were very supportive (of the original plans), knowing that it was one less premises that would be left empty.”

The first floor has been converted into residential properties as part of the changes – and it was the households affected which concerned Medway Council’s planning committee.

“What we have here is an applicant that has gone one step too far, and is really going against the spirit in which we allowed this application to go forward in the first place..." - Cllr David Brake

Cllr Stuart Tranter (Con) added: “I won’t be voting in favour of this – not because I disapprove of what people choose to eat – but because it has a serious impact on people living in that immediate area.

“This is not Rochester High Street, it’s completely different and I think people should have peace – certainly after midnight.”

Cllr Martin Potter (Con) put forward a proposal which would allow Domino’s Pizza to have its opening hours extended, but the kitchen could remain open for home deliveries only.

Cllr Glyn Griffiths (Lab) also proposed the extension was granted for a year-long trial.

Both motions were voted down.