PLANS to change a commercial unit to a hot food takeaway and pizza delivery have been submitted to Maldon District Council.

A planning application has been submitted by Papa John's (GB) Ltd to change use of the ground floor area from the current commercial unit at Maldon Discount Limited, 102D High Street, to a hot food takeaway.

Proposed development also includes a new shopfront and wall-mounted ground floor extraction equipment. 

It says all extraction equipment will be located to the side/rear ground floor elevation.

The application property falls within the conservation area and is near numerous Grade II listed buildings.

Though, the planning statment considers the positive contribution the site makes to the character and appearance of the conservation area "un-significant" due to "lack of specific historic or architectural features".

The hot food takeaway and pizza delivery use would operate from 11am to 11pm, seven days per week, which the planning statement says is "in line with similar operations in the location".

Food deliveries would be received to the rear of the unit on regular days to maintain stock levels in the store. 

The document also states most Papa John's outlets can provide "up to 20 jobs".

Maldon District Council will rule on the application.