McDonald’s Plan Near School Rejected due to Health Concerns

A McDonald’s drive-thru plan failed. They wanted it in a former DIY store’s car park. The location was near Vange Primary School, raising concerns about children’s health, as it was situated near the school on London Road in Vange.

The council initially delayed the decision, needing more time to think. They met again in December, and the council would pay McDonald’s £1 million. This payment depended on approval for the restaurant.

Kerry Smith, who leads the Independent Group, voiced health worries. Parking already occurs at the old Homebase gates, where parents pick up kids from school. Smith thinks kids will beg for McDonald’s because it’s too close to school, and it could become a regular habit, not a treat. He wants takeaways away from schools to protect the next generation’s health and expects extra traffic.

Kevin Blake, the Conservative Group’s deputy leader, disagreed with the refusal, calling the decision “stupid.” He wondered why a burger van was okay before, noting that a similar McDonald’s exists near another school. He believes McDonald’s will win on appeal.