Birmingham New Road McDonald's to become 24/7 as council decision overturned
McDonald's has won an appeal to operate its Coseley restaurant 24 hours a day after a council ruling was overturned by the Government's planning inspectorate.
Dudley Council's planning committee refused McDonald's permission to open 24/7 in August after citing fears of a possible increase in anti-social behaviour. The Birmingham New Road-based restaurant operated from 6am to 11pm.
But Her Majesty's Planning Inspectorate today upheld an appeal by McDonald's, which was submitted in the wake of the council's ruling, with a planning officer concluding there was little evidence anti-social behaviour would increase.
The 24/7 operating hours will initially be trialled for 12 months.
The Government officer said: "I acknowledge the council’s and residents’ concerns on ASB, but I have no substantive evidence other than anecdotal that ASB has taken place at the appeal site, nearby petrol station and/or that it would potentially occur in the future at the appeal site, and even if this was the case, it could be addressed through the premises' licence."
However Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden called the decision "very disappointing", adding that residents and local councillors have been ignored.
Coseley East Councillor Sue Ridney added: "Local residents complained about late-night noise, anti-social behaviour and bright lights from illuminated signs.
"We will be monitoring the impact of the extended opening hours on residents’ quality of life during the trial period.”
And Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: “The Planning Inspectorate have reviewed the appeal and overturned the council’s decision to reject the original application.
"As such the Inspector has granted consent for a limited period of one year for the restaurant and drive-thru to be used for 24 hours a day.”
