McDonald’s launches appeal over Buffet Island restaurant refusal
McDonald’s has appealed Walsall Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a restaurant in Great Barr.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
The proposals to build a restaurant at the busy Buffet Island on Queslett Road had faced fierce objection.
The Planning Inspectorate confirmed an appeal had been validated on Friday (January 31). Timings for the public inquiry will be decided once a planning inspector has been appointed to the case.
McDonald’s is appealing against two of the reasons for refusal: firstly, the alleged impact of the development on local health and obesity levels, including proximity to schools and existing takeaway outlets. Secondly, the sequential test and whether the proposal would adversely affect the vitality and viability of nearby centres.
First put forward in 2023, McDonald’s plans for the restaurant included the creation of 46 car parking spaces, a bike rack for up to 10 bicycles, an outdoor children’s play area, and electric vehicle charging stations. Once the restaurant development is complete, 120 full-time and part-time jobs would be created.
The site had previously operated as a Chinese restaurant for over a decade until its closure in 2020. Prior to that, it was a well-known community pub named Schofields and later The Trees.
Walsall Council refused the application at a planning committee meeting in July last year. Traffic and congestion were the main concerns around the proposals. Members said the roundabout with six exits is well-known for congestion during peak times.
At the planning meeting, Catherine Chapman, a spokesperson for McDonald’s, said ‘robust’ data from traffic surveys carried out by the company demonstrated that the development would not result in a severe impact on the road networks.
The committee’s decision to refuse the proposals was met with applause from the public gallery.
