McDonald's plan refused on healthy eating grounds

More than 3,000 people previously signed a petition against the plans with concerns about traffic and pollution

Fast food chain McDonald's has said it remains committed to opening a new restaurant in York following a council decision to block plans for one.

York Council refused an application to convert a former Iceland store on Fulford Road in Fulford on grounds that it was too close to neighbouring schools and would undermine efforts to promote healthy lifestyles.

More than 3,000 people previously signed a petition against the plans with concerns about traffic and pollution.

A McDonald’s spokesperson said: “We are committed to opening a new site in York and welcome working with the community to find a suitable location.”

The chain had applied for a restaurant and drive-thru, which would have had space for up to 110 diners.

Council officers said the application ran contrary to a government statement issued in July stating that planning needed to help tackle the scourge of childhood obesity.

Officers stated: “There are no public benefits that outweigh this harm and planning permission is refused.”

The plan provoked a backlash from residents when they were first submitted in April.

Those against the plans claimed the restaurant would fuel congestion along Fulford Road and lead to parking spilling over from its shared car park with Aldi.

They also claimed nearby residents would be exposed to noise and odours and proposed operating hours of 07:00 to 23:00 seven days a week would be disruptive.

But the fast food chain stated its plans would create up to 45 full-time jobs and the conversion would improve the look of the building which has stood empty since October 2023.

McDonald’s has one restaurant in Blake Street in the city centre as well as ones at York Designer Outlet, Monks Cross Shopping Centre, Clifton Moor and Poppleton.

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