McDonald's cites healthy options in planning appeals

The fast food chain said its menus promoted "healthier lifestyles" when applying for planning permission for new restaurants

An investigation has found McDonald's has overturned multiple council planning refusals by citing its healthier menu options and community contributions in appeals for new restaurants.

According to the British Medical Journal (BMJ), McDonald's lodged 14 appeals with the Planning Inspectorate since 2020, including one in Mousehold Lane, Norwich. It won 11 cases, lost one, and has two pending.

The BMJ said some of these refusals were in areas with the poorest health outcomes.

McDonald's said it worked closely with local authorities throughout the planning process and aimed to be a "positive presence" in communities.

But experts told the BMJ the fear of a costly appeal made councils more likely to accept a McDonald's planning application, despite health concerns.

"Local decision-making is a critical part of the planning application process, and we always want to work in partnership with local councils to ensure our plans are right for the community," McDonald's said.

The BMJ looked at cases where the brand claimed menu items such as salads and low-calorie meals, alongside initiatives like sponsoring children's sports teams, supported its case for approval.

In Norwich, the company successfully appealed against a rejected application by arguing that customers would have access to healthier menu options, and that a "notable amount of custom will be on foot or by cycle," despite the drive-through being located next to a ring road.

It also pointed to the inclusion of a climbing frame as an initiative to promote physical activity.

Despite objections from Norwich City Council, the Planning Inspectorate ruled in McDonald's favour, with the restaurant set to open later this year.

Norwich City Council said it did not wish to comment on the decision.

A McDonald's spokesperson said it had played a longstanding role in UK communities, contributing £94.5bn to the national economy since opening in 1974.

On its food choices, it said: "We will always be transparent about our ingredients and have provided nutritional information for over 30 years.

"Today, 57% of our menu is classified as non-high in fat, salt or sugar and 90% of our food and drinks menu items are under 500 calories."