Fast food giants McDonald’s get go-ahead for ‘drive thru’ restaurant at Shelf
A majority of Calderdale planning councillors approved the company’s application to build the restaurant on land next to the Sun Wood Service Station
Burger giants McDonald’s have been given permission to build and open a “drive-thru” restaurant at Shelf, despite opposition from residents and some councillors.
On a split vote, a majority of Calderdale planning councillors approved the company’s application to build the restaurant on land next to the Sun Wood Service Station at Halifax Road, Shelf.
Planning officers said the proposals met planning criteria – although it was opposed by Public Health officers from both Calderdale and Bradford councils.
Objector Dr Diane Threapleton said the application would “degrade, not enhance our village.”
She said the economic case was baffling as residents already had access to McDonald’s already through delivery services.
On other grounds, she said national planning policy gave Calderdale a legal mandate to refuse fast food outlets near any place where children congregate, including parks and playgrounds.
“This is not optional or discretionary, it’s a clear national directive – the site is within 400 metres of Shelf Hall Park and playground and it is within 400 metres of a primary school,” she said.
Addressing the committee, Shelf ward councillor Martin Hey (Green) pointed out Bradford Public Health officers commented the site is on nine bus routes used by people travelling to and from school.
“Buses drop off at the same time, making the area a natural meeting point for friends who maybe go for different schools and this we see happening, with them congregating near the park – within 400 metres of the site – and just around the roundabout itself,” he said.
Planning officers said the council’s own Local Plan did not allow takeaways within 400 metres of a secondary school except in certain named town centres.
However, the prevalence of bus stops was indicative of the sustainability of the site, and you were going to get children at bus stops.
“We don’t think that would be reasonable grounds for refusal,” said an officer.
Coun Hey said national policy, which specifically referenced distance between outlets and where young people meet, which were within the distance, should take precedence over Calderdale’s own Local Plan.
But officers said Calderdale’s development plan was the Local Plan, and that was where councillors’ decision-making should start.
Dr Threapleton and Coun Hey both expressed concerns about potential fast food impacts on obesity and health.
Coun Hey challenged the committee: “We can protect the health of the young people of Shelf, Northowram and areas of Bradford – or we can allow the development to go-ahead, further damage to obesity rates, increasing health problems.
“But it will allow huge amounts of tax-efficient profits to be extracted from our area to America.
“While the U.S. benefits, let’s be clear who pays for the NHS work that’s required to help those in ill health.”
However, Annie Newman, senior acquisition surveyor for McDonald’s restaurants in the north of England, said there were plenty of positives, including using a brownfield site that had been empty since 2005, a number of highway improvements including £65,000 towards improving the busy Stone Chair roundabout.
“Turning to the restaurant itself, it will be run by a local franchisee who will develop relationships with community groups in Shelf and provide support to local projects,” she said.
Apprenticeships would be offered and strong partnerships built with local sports teams and other groups.
“Once the restaurant is open it will provide 90 direct jobs on site which equates to 60 full time equivalent jobs,” said Ms Newman.
In terms of health, the company had a responsible approach to providing nutritional options and promoting active lifestyles, for example grass roots football in the community.
There were no underlying health concerns in the area which would be a material consideration in determining the application, she said.
“The site is not within walking distances of schools, nor is there a high concentration of hot food takeaways within Shelf.
“Where people choose to eat and the type of meals they consume is ultimately down to an individual choice and we pride ourselves on providing food and drink options which are affordable to all,” said Ms Newman.
Calderdale Council Planning Committee members asked some detailed questions about the issues, particularly the national policy guidelines on where fast food outlets should not be allowed.
Coun Jamie Furlong (Green, Todmorden West) proposed refusal citing Local Plan policy on developments reducing not increasing traffic – he could not see, as a “drive-thru” how these grounds could be met.
But officers said they did not believe they could defend an appeal on those grounds if the plans were refused.
Highways officers said the developer had provided a detailed travel plan and had done all they reasonably could to meet policy.
By a 5-2 majority, councillors went with committee Deputy Chair Coun Paul Dale’s (Reform UK, Ovenden) – who was chairing the meeting – proposal to be mindful to permit the plans subject to completion of the legal agreements and some amended planning conditions.
There were cries of “shame on you” directed at the councillors from objectors, and Dr Threapleton said after the meeting said councils had a clear mandate to reject fast food outlets children gathered, like at the bus stops, petrol garage and park.