Cradley Heath McDonalds set for go ahead
A former motorbike garage could be demolished to make way for a drive-thru restaurant, under controversial plans recommended for approval by Sandwell Council next week.
Residents have forced the application to committee after lodging more than 50 objections and a petition protesting the scheme, put forward by McDonalds for land on St Annes Road in Cradley Heath.
The plot is earmarked for housing in Sandwell’s local development plan, but planning officers at the council say the economic benefits of the scheme outweigh the concerns.
Objectors to the application say the restaurant would bring “significant and unwelcome” changes to the area, with residents citing the impact on the local road network, and even the risk of childhood obesity at a nearby nursery in a bid to get the scheme thrown out.
An online petition has been signed by more than 500 people objecting to the proposals, which have also attracted around 25 expressions in support.
The council’s highways officers lodged no objection in response to residents traffic concerns, while planning officers said the addition of another fast food outlet was unlikely to “significantly exacerbate” public health issues in Cradley Heath – as the town centre has already exceeded the council’s hot food takeaway policy threshold.
In a supporting statement, McDonalds said the site had been marketed for residential use by the land owner, with no sign of a viable scheme coming forward.
“The absence of any progress in terms of delivering a residential development on the site since 2012 is symptomatic of the site’s lack of viability for such a use,” they said.
“It is important to note that sustained efforts have been made by the vendor to bring the site forward for residential development in line with the adopted allocation. The site has been actively marketed for a residential use for in excess of 12 months, however, no meaningful interest has been received.”
Lichfields have provided planning consultancy for the application, which can be viewed on Sandwell’s planning portal using reference: DC/25/71017
The scheme will come to Sandwell’s planning committee for a final decision on Wednesday, 29 July.
