THE PEOPLE of Warndon Villages have voiced their concerns over McDonald’s and Starbucks drive-through plans.
Residents gathered last Thursday (May 16) to meet with city and parish councillors to discuss the contentious planning application for a McDonald’s and Starbucks drive-thru restaurant.
The proposed development is set to occupy land adjacent to the roundabout at the top of Plantation Drive, a site currently designated for office use.
The meeting, held at the Parish Council’s Annual General Meeting, saw parish councillor Andy Taylor presenting the plans to the community and emphasised that the Parish Council would be objecting to the application which has been called in by coun Stephen Hodgson.
Chair of Warndon Parish Council, Coun Lucy Hodgson, said: “We are extremely concerned about this application and will be objecting in the strongest terms.
“There are missing elements of the application, including a change of use which could mean that the application is declined without the need for a debate at the Committee stage.”
Residents expressed multiple concerns, including the potential risk to young people, as the site could become a target for County Lines operations.
They added the proximity to a school bus stop raised fears that the fast-food outlets could become a hotspot for students, posing health risks.
The meeting also highlighted concerns from West Mercia Police, who have indicated they will object unless specific conditions are met. Increased traffic and the impact on local health and wellbeing were other significant issues discussed.
City Councillor Sarah Murray assured residents that she, along with Councillor John Rudge, would represent the St Nicholas ward residents’ concerns at any Planning Committee meeting.
Coun Rudge said: “After the County Council invested a significant amount of funding into providing bat friendly streetlights, it would be a travesty to pollute this environment with the brightly lit golden arches and the Starbucks’ mermaid.
“These will repel the very bats we were attempting to aid with red lighting.”
