THERE are fears a pub in the centre of Evesham could be turned into a fast food “village”, threatening the town’s heritage.

The Vauxhall Inn on Abbey Road has been earmarked for conversion into four takeaway outlets with a drive-through and car parking under plans submitted to Wychavon District Council by MJ International Ltd.

According to a design and access statement, the proposal would create between 10 and 12 new jobs and see the refurbishment of the run-down pub, as well as bring trade to Evesham.

But the town’s civic society has called for the development to be halted given its location within the conservation area and proximity to the historic abbey ruins.

The initial plans submitted in April were not opposed by Evesham Town Council or conservation officers, but the plan has since been revised to include more outlets.

Members of Vale of Evesham Commerce and Trade Association have been asked to consider commenting on the application, while town and district councillor Jo Sandalls has referred the application to Wychavon’s planning committee.

Colin Tether, chairman of the town’s civic society, welcomed improvements to the main building, but raised concerns about the impact of the takeaways on the town’s heritage.

He said: “We cannot accept a drive-through takeaway in the medieval heart of Evesham. Would this be acceptable in Broadway or Stratford?

“We do not feel this is the right development for this location, on the very gateway to our historic market town centre and a literal stone’s throw from the site of the great Evesham Abbey and the town’s museum, housed in the beautiful Grade 1 listed Almonry.

“We fear an inevitable consequence will be the garish signs, noise, litter and late opening hours associated with these developments.

The drive-through will generate additional traffic, but there will be no benefit to the town centre as the people using it will not stay.

“We do realise that it is important to see change and vitality in our town centre, but we question that this is the right way to do it.”

The Journal had not received a comment from MJ International Ltd at the time of going to press.