McDonald's appeals against restaurant refusal

The site had previously been a pub and then a Chinese restaurant which ran for over a decade until its closure in 2020

McDonald's has appealed against Walsall Council's decision to refuse planning permission for a restaurant in Great Barr.

The proposals to build a restaurant at Buffet Island on Queslett Road in Pheasey, had faced opposition from some residents who said it would cause "traffic chaos".

Councillors turned down the application in July last year, but the fast food giant had its appeal validated on Friday and a public inquiry will be held.

McDonald's said the restaurant would create 120 full-time and part jobs along with the creation of 46 parking spaces, a bike rack, outdoor play area and electric vehicle charging stations.

But traffic and congestion were the two main concerns raised at the planning committee meeting and council members said the roundabout with six exits is well-known for congestion during peak times.

Catherine Chapman, a spokesperson for McDonald's, said at the meeting that "robust" data from traffic surveys it had carried out demonstrated that the development would not result in a severe impact on the road networks.

The application was originally recommended for approval, but the committee's decision to refuse the proposals were met with applause from the public gallery.

McDonald's is appealing against two of the reasons for refusal - the alleged impact of the development on local health and obesity levels, including proximity to schools and existing takeaway outlets and whether the proposal would adversely affect the vitality and viability of nearby centres.

The site had previously been a pub and then a Chinese restaurant which ran for over a decade until its closure in 2020.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.