Fast food drive-thru set for go-ahead

McDonald's wants to open a new restaurant in Stanningley, Leeds (stock image)

A McDonald's drive-thru looks set to open after councillors agreed to allow planning permission.

Fears had been raised over road safety and public health after the fast food chain applied to build a new restaurant on Town Street in Stanningley, which the firm said would bring jobs and investment and regenerate a derelict former scrap metal works.

A planning application drew 57 objections, along with 56 letters of support, ahead of a Leeds council plans panel meeting on Thursday.

The application was granted in principle, subject to conditions including the provision of local jobs and litter-picking around the site.

Objectors had included Labour ward councillors Kevin Ritchie, Adele Rae and Tom Hinchcliffe.

At the meeting, Ritchie raised concerns over rising obesity levels caused by the supply of fast food.

He said: "Factors contributing to the crisis include the consumption of energy-dense foods."

'Community needs'

The meeting was told that people objecting had also been worried about litter and nuisance behaviour among people congregating at the site.

The impact on children's health from air pollution caused by queuing traffic at the drive-thru was also among the objections, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

McDonald's said highway improvements would be carried out if the restaurant application was allowed.

The new drive-thru, near the Jug and Barrel pub, would be open from 06:00 to 23:00.

Annie Newman, speaking on behalf of McDonald's, said: "We will ensure this site is well-managed and responsive to community needs."

Council planning officers had recommended that the application was approved.

Due to the application being granted in principle by councillors, final approval is delegated to the authority's chief planning officer.

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