A decision will soon be made on plans to build a McDonald’s in a town centre – proposals that continue to divide opinion.
Since a planning application to build a drive-through McDonald’s on the former Bingley Police Station site was submitted earlier this year, hundreds of residents have had their say on the plans.
Next Wednesday members of Bradford Council’s Planning Panel will decide whether to approve the development on the long empty Bradford Road site.
They will be told that there has been 482 objections to the plans, and 415 comments in support.
A report by planning officers suggests members approve the application.
The national fast food company has said the two storey, 24 hour restaurant would create 120 jobs (70 full-time).
Objectors have raised concerns including traffic and littering.
Some suggested the land be used for housing, and feared a McDonald’s would become a “magnet for anti-social behaviour”.
One said the former Sainsbury’s store in the town centre should be converted into a McDonald’s instead.
Image: TripAdvisor
One objector said: “A McDonald’s would not be in keeping with the character and ethos of this market town.”
The report also give some details of the hundreds of responses supporting the McDonald’s.
One supporter said the business would be “attractive for young people and families”.
Another said residents would no longer have to leave the town to visit a McDonald’s. And one said: “McDonald’s is actively involved with local community groups which could benefit Bingley residents.”
Bingley Town Council had also objected to the plan, saying it was incorrect to describe the drive-through as a restaurant. They argued it should be classed as a takeaway, and be subject to planning rules that prevent takeaways from opening near schools or parks.
Referring to whether the business would be a takeaway or not, the report going to the panel says: “The proposed unit has a good-sized internal seating area across two floors with seating for 96 customers as well as space for external seating.
“The layout does not suggest that the primary function would be for a takeaway facility, despite the inclusion of the drive-through lane.”
It says that despite this, the Council’s takeaway policy “does not prohibit hot food outlets from opening on public health grounds where they are proposed in town centre locations”.
The report adds: “In terms of economic benefits, it is envisaged that 70 full-time equivalent jobs would be created on site once the restaurant is opened.
“The application notes that a minimum of 120 posts would be enabled during the construction phase.
“The redeveloped site would bring about an anticipated uplift in business rates revenue to the order of £60.500 per annum, half of which should be retained locally.
“The proposal therefore has a tangible positive benefit to the local economy.”
Members of the panel will be told that McDonald’s plans to landscape the site, which will involve the planting of six lime trees on the Main Street side of the site.
The landscaping would lead to a 19 per cent increase in biodiversity compared to the current site.
Referring to calls for the McDonald’s to be based in other units in the town, the report says: “It is acknowledged that there are several vacant commercial units within the town centre and that drive-through units are often found on retail parks, however the Council has a duty to consider the scheme as presented.”
The meeting takes place Keighley Town Hall at 10am next Wednesday.
