New McDonald's restaurant opposed by 15 schools

Head teachers have voiced their "significant concerns" about a new fast food restaurant opening.

Fifteen schools and a college have signed an open letter objecting to McDonald's launching a new branch in the former TGI Friday's on Gloucester Road, Cheltenham.

Steve Jefferies, head teacher at Bournside School, said he and other head teachers have "significant concerns regarding the impact this development will have on the local community".

A McDonald's spokesperson said they will "address any concerns", and the new branch will create 120 jobs.

Mr Jefferies said the new restaurant's proximity to a number of schools could have a detrimental impact on pupils' wellbeing.

'Lifetime of poor health'

Katharine Jenner, director of Obesity Health Alliance, said McDonald's new restaurant location was "so disappointing".

"As soon as the child starts having really highly processed, high fat, salt, and sugar foods that seem exciting, it edges out healthier foods in their diet and makes them seem bland by comparison.

"Of course, that's setting them up for a lifetime of poor health as well, including things like Type 2 diabetes," she said.

One in five children are overweight or obese when they start school in Gloucestershire.

By the time they leave primary school, the figure rises to 35% which is about one in three children, Ms Jenner told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

Planning permission for the change of use for the site has been granted

Cheltenham Borough Council has approved a planning application for the change of use on the site, but is still considering other applications for work to be carried out on the building.

McDonald's said the new restaurant would bring "significant investment and 120 jobs" to Cheltenham.

"We strive to be a good neighbour in the communities in which we operate," a spokesperson said.

"We look forward to continuing to work with the local community and stakeholders to address any concerns they have," a company spokesperson added.