Months of meetings, delays, errors and uncertainty have reached an end for concerned residents as a controversial plan to build a pizza takeaway on Bushey High Street was refused.

The proposal, by Domino’s Pizza, was to build a branch on the former site of the Threshers wine shop which closed last year.

At a meeting of the Bushey and Aldenham Planning Committee last week, developers argued that it had proved impossible to market the empty property as a shop and that concerns about rubbish, noise and traffic were unfounded.

Councillors and planning officers disagreed, claiming that the area was a “vibrant” one and that it would not be difficult to find another firm to run it as a shop rather than a takeaway.

Bushey St James Councillor Pervez Choudry, argued that the takeaway would have a negative impact on other shops in the area.

He said: “If it’s all going to be food takeaways, why would anyone go to Bushey?”

He did however, admit to having a personal interest in the application, as his family owned a shop in the high street.

To counter residents’ fears and complaints regarding possible traffic noise from the site, Domino’s said it would only permit cars and not the traditionally used motorcycles and mopeds.

Although initially welcomed, councillors and officers said this promise would be difficult to control and could be ignored by a future owner of the site if Domino’s were to leave.

Bushey Heath Councillor Brenda Batten said that the committee should bear in mind that A5 (takeaway) use would be “established forever” if permission were granted.

Bushey North Councillor Roger Kutchinsky added that cars would take up more space and would create more pollution.

Speaking for the application, Richard Unwin said the council officers’ report into the possibility of another shop on the site was flawed. He also argued that Domino’s Pizza branches in Watford and other areas had not caused any problems with traffic, rubbish or noise.

Speaking against the application resident Steven Fields said the development would be a “nightmare” for the area and would cause serious problems for the high street and the life of nearby residents.

A row of residents, attending their third meeting to hear the outcome of the plan, walked out of the Bushey Country Club room contentedly nodding to the committee following the decision.

The application had previously been withdrawn from two committees at the last minute due to changes in plans and an administration error.