AN INTERNATIONAL pizza chain will not have to reinstate sloping windows at itsBridport store - despite being labelled as a "nationally significant" feature.

Domino's Pizza applied retrospectively to West Dorset District Council for permission to keep straight windows at the former Café Royal site on Tannery Road. Despite pleas from residents and the Twentieth Century Society, which described the original design as "nationally significant as unique example of a mid-century roadside cafe", planners approved the application.

Bridport Town Council also objected to the retrospective planning application after Domino's went ahead with the work without initial permission.

Speaking at the town council's plans meeting last week, Cllr Dave Rickard hit out at the district council for not pursuing cases.

He said: "I'm disgusted frankly.

"I don't like the term 'the thin end of the wedge' but I actually think this is a sign of the times. We can no longer expect enforcement from any other authority.

"There is just no money to go through and appeal. They are not prepared to go through that risk."

In a report to councillors, planning officer Sophie Mawdsley said losing the sloping windows was "regrettable".

She said: "It is regrettable that the sloping shop front on the western and southern side of the building have been lost and there has been significant opposition to their removal.

"The representations have stated that the windows were an iconic feature of this mid 20th Century building and their loss has harmed the character of the building and the wider Conservation Area."

She added: "It is recognised that the sloping windows were a positive feature of the building. However, the building is not listed or recognised as a locally important building within the Conservation Area.

"The approved alterations to the building have altered its appearance and on balance it is considered that the retention of the vertical windows would preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area."

In a planning document for the revised application, Fergus Sykes, senior planner for Pegasus, agent for Domino’s, said: “Once works started it was established that the new frames could not be accommodated at the angle required to retain the sloping windows as there would be the potential for a significant risk to the health and safety of passers-by and users of the car park.”