New rules could block McDonald's near school - MP

McDonald's said it had contributed £94.5bn to the UK economy since it opened its first restaurant in the country in 1974

New government rules could help block plans for a McDonald's restaurant near a school, the area's MP has said.

In June 2024, developer Countryside applied for a fast food outlet on the St James' Park development, Hertfordshire, close to Bishop's Stortford High School.

Since the application went in, the new Labour government has announced changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) allowing local authorities to refuse applications for fast food outlets within walking distance of schools.

Labour MP for Hertford and Stortford Josh Dean told BBC Politics East: "This government has amended the NPPF so there'll be a presumption against this type of development."

He added: "I have been very clear that I am opposed to this development and I know a number of residents and councillors share my concerns."

Josh Dean became one of Labour's youngest MPs, taking Hertford and Stortford at the age of 24 in the 2024 General Election

McDonald's said it was working with "local stakeholders" over the plans and was proud of its role in communities.

It said it had contributed £94.5bn to the UK economy since it opened its first restaurant in the country in 1974.

Dale Reeve, the head teacher of Bishop's Stortford High School, said the McDonald's would be a "two minute walk away from our school"

Dale Reeve, the head teacher of Bishop's Stortford High School, said: "My biggest concern is obviously the students' health.

"Putting in a McDonald's restaurant a two-minute walk away from our school just places temptation in front of students.

"There will be students who will be able to sit in our classroom and look out and see a McDonald's...

"This easily accessible and largely unhealthy food would be a serious problem for students."

Bishop's Stortford High School in Hertfordshire is on the edge of the town

Dr Suzanna Forwood is an associate professor at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge

Psychologist Dr Suzanna Forwood, an associate professor at Anglia Ruskin University, said: "We ban the advertising of the products already.

"So why would we allow the same products to be placed outside schools where children have to go on a daily basis?"

A McDonald's spokesman said: "We pride ourselves on being a good neighbour in the communities in which we operate, and look forward to continuing to work with the council and all local stakeholders to ensure our plans are right for the community of St James' Park.

"When it comes to our food, we believe in making it easier for customers to balance health, taste, and value and in giving people choice. We will always be transparent about our ingredients and have provided nutritional information for over 30 years.

"We continue to evolve our menu to ensure our customers can make informed decisions, with 58% of our menu now classified as non-HFSS (not high in fat, salt or sugar) and 89% of our items in our core menu containing under 500 calories."

Artist's impression of planned development on the edge of Bishop's Stortford which includes a McDonald's fast food outlet

BBC Politics East will be broadcast on Sunday 11 May at 10:00 GMT on BBC One in the East of England, and will be available after broadcast on BBC iPlayer.

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