FAST FOOD giant McDonald’s has resubmitted its application for a drive-thru restaurant in Bromsgrove and people are being urged to have their say.
The outlet would be on the Stourbridge Road car park and is similar to the proposal submitted back in 2018.
The proposed restaurant is expected to employ more than 65 full and part time staff, primarily from the local area. It could bring in up to 120 jobs in total with education, training and deliveries.
As well as the restaurant and drive-thru, car-parking and landscaping to the site, on the junction of Stourbridge Road and Birmingham Road, the company has also made changes to the access to the site which differs from the previous application.
The restaurant would have a kitchen and customer seating on the same level and the proposal includes a side by side drive-thru lane, two order points, canopies and an outside patio area. The children’s play area, on the previous application, has been removed.
In its latest document supporting the planning application, McDonald’s said its proposal conformed to what the town centre site could be used for.
And it added a traffic assessment confirmed the restaurant and takeaway would be accessible by various modes of transport – including cars, public transport, by bike and on foot. Cycle stands are included in the application.
Previous opposition
Back in 2018, there was backlash to the proposals with several concerns highlighted – these included increased traffic on the Stourbridge Road and the Birmingham Road and the fact the fast food outlet was ‘within walking distance of three schools attended by more than 1,600 pupils’.
Back then, campaigners said the headteachers of two of the schools had voiced their opposition to the McDonald’s.
Some concerns were also raised regarding the visual impact on the nearby historic buildings, including the Grade II listed Parkside and Davenal House, the Norton Collection Museum and nearby Bromsgrove Town Centre Conservation Area.
In its latest support document for the application, McDonald’s said: “By rotating the building, the frontage of the building improved the aspect with the listed building, whilst reflecting the
enclosure on Birmingham Road on the adjacent site, but retaining clear views in and out of the site.
“By addressing Birmingham Road, the historic frontage has been retained and improved with further planting.
“The addition of new planting, in addition to the three new trees on this elevation will add to the character of the area.
“Should the council consider a wall with railings would further enhance the proposal, this can be accommodated to match the adjacent development, and secured by condition.”
The company also stated its new drive-thru McDonald’s restaurants were supplied with electricity from 100 per cent renewable sources, generated off site, which ‘far exceeded any potential on-site renewable generation.
It added, it was company policy to conduct a minimum of three daily litter patrols, whereby employees picked up – not only McDonald’s packaging, but also any other litter that may have been discarded in a 150m vicinity of a restaurant.
People have until November 9 to have their say on this latest application.
Anyone wanting to view the plans and comment can do so here.
- WHAT do you think? Would you welcome McDonald’s returning to the town centre? Email: [email protected] with your views.
