Opposition grows over burger plans - The Worcester Observer

Opposition grows over burger plans

Worcester Editorial 11th Jul, 2019   0

A NUMBER of local residents have added their voice of opposition to proposals for the city’s fourth McDonald’s on the former Harvester site in Perdiswell.

In a letter to the Observer, local residents Jack Carradine, Laura Carradine, Sandra Ballardini, Ricardo Ballardini, Starly Greenoff-Cairns, James Greenoff-Cairns, Emily Garbett, Susie Ainsworth, Tash Hepburn, Shelby Alexander and Alice Malone have called on Worcester City Council to throw out the plans.

The concerned residents pointed out there were already three of the fast food chain’s branches within two miles of the proposed site including two in the heart of the city centre itself.

“We note with interest multiple consultees have recommended to the planning committee tthe proposed new drive-thru McDonalds on Droitwich Road be refused,” the letter read.




“Highways point to multiple problems with the application, including that everyone coming in to Worcester on the A38 would have to wait behind people queuing to turn into it.

“Public Health point to problems including that fast food next to schools has a known and measurable negative impact on the health of the schoolchildren.


“We now hope and expect the committee will heed its professional consultees, not to mention all the local views, and reject this ill-conceived and inappropriate development,” the letter added.

The concerned residents have added their voices to opposition to the scheme which has also seen a petition started by Coun James Stanley reach more than 1,500 signatures.

“It will be right next to the new primary school due to open in September, half a mile from Perdiswell Primary school and opposite a youth centre with a skate board park,” Coun Stanley said.

“It will create additional litter and attract anti-sociable behaviour to the area, especially to Perdiswell Park. It will add traffic to what is already a congested area.

“We want families to focus on the sport and leisure opportunities in the area, not unhealthy fast food,” he added.

A McDonald’s spokesman said: “We have acquired a site in Worcester which we plan to develop into one of our Experience of the Future restaurants.

“Like all our restaurants in communities around the UK, the new restaurant will employ on average 65 people and bring new investment to the local community.

“It’s fantastic to be able to offer more jobs within the local area with great training opportunities for everyone.”

Visit www.change.org and search for ‘Perdiswell’ to find the petition.

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