PIZZA chain Domino’s has refused to rule out opening a new store in Penarth after it was reported to have pulled out of a deal.

The pizza chain, which was granted change of use planning permission for the former Blockbusters premises on Windsor Road earlier this year, said it was “committed” to opening in the town in the future.

A spokesman for Domino’s pizza chain said that it was “continually researching and reviewing locations across the country” to open new stores, but that it believed “Penarth has great potential for pizza”.

It comes after the property was put back on the market to let by BP2 Property Consultants.

Rumours had also begun to circulate that the pizza chain had pulled out of a deal after failing to reach an agreement with the owners of the property.

Plans for the pizza chain to open an outlet in Penarth had been met with strong opposition from councillors and local residents.

Concerns were raised about parking, littering and the affect on surrounding businesses when the planning application was first put before Penarth Town Council.

Surrounding residents were also concerned about the proposed opening hours, which were from 9am until 11pm seven days a week, and the amount of littering and noise pollution.

A spokesman for Domino’s Pizza Group said about its plans for Penarth:

“Domino’s has 832 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland and a goal to increase this number further. We are continually researching and reviewing locations across the country in which to open these new stores. We think Penarth has great potential for pizza and we’re committed to opening in the town in the future.”