A McDonald’s drive-thru plan near the A13 in Essex may be rejected because of worries about its impact on local health.
The council considered paying McDonald’s £1 million for the restaurant at this location, with the money coming from house-building funds. McDonald’s stated they received no payment and haven’t agreed on the plan. Basildon Council has said nothing about this.
In December, councillors debated this further, voicing concerns about the impact on the Green Belt and health due to Vange Primary School’s proximity. They also noted many similar places are nearby.
The plan includes outdoor seating and canopies, potentially operating 24/7 with deliveries happening several times weekly. Quiet times would have four-hour slots.
A report highlights the restaurant’s location near Vange Primary School, outside of a town center, and its potential to hinder healthy living.
Nethermayne ward currently has no McDonald’s, while Basildon has five, including four drive-thrus. The closest one is 2.4 miles away at Pitsea Retail Park. Basildon also has two KFCs and a Burger King drive-thru.
The report acknowledges a cluster of fast food places in the area. However, it states that there is no clear proof that it hurts the community and they found no adverse effects on health or behavior.