Neighbours protest plans for new McDonald's as it will 'cause traffic accidents'

08 August 2023 , 11:36

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McDonald's says its new restaurant will provide new jobs to the area (Image: Getty Images)

Furious residents have demanded plans for a new McDonald’s be thrown out, claiming it will cause traffic accidents in the nearby area.

The global giant has eyed up a new location in Sprowston, Norfolk, and last year submitted plans for a restaurant and drive through next to a petrol station. It was thrown out as councillors on the planning committee voted six votes to five against.

However McDonald’s has appealed, with the Government's Planning Inspectorate now set to have the final say. To battle the plans hundreds of people have signed a petition, arguing it will cause more traffic accidents, as well as increased noise and pollution.

The website, named Sprowston’s Not Lovin’ It, reads: “We are opposed to the idea of a McDonald's replacing Richard Nash on Mousehold Lane, Sprowston. Sprowston's Neighbourhood Plan aims to make Sprowston a healthier place for its residents.

The proposal put forward by the fast food chain (McDonald's)

“By opening a McDonald's at this location it's a complete contradiction to this carefully devised plan. Mousehold Lane continues to be a very busy road and even as recently as last month (July) was the scene of another Road Traffic Collision at the junctions of this location. If Norwich City Council are able to make St Andrew's Street one-way, it will push traffic out of the City and again onto the ring road.

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"The proposed plans show a missing 6 foot fence on the corner and makes it appear you can see way up Mousehold Lane. Instead, the reality is, you have to creep, look for cars oncoming (some well over the speed limit) and cars coming out of the BP Petrol Station and lastly, pedestrians crossing outside of the crossing area, when the lights are red. The potential traffic coming in and out of McDonald's will inevitably lead to more accidents surrounding this junction.”

Sprowston councillor Natasha Harpley, who opposed the scheme, told Eastern Daily Press: "I was pleased the committee voted against the application and my position has not changed. McDonald's is, of course, entitled to appeal but there is a lot of opposition to the site and I stand with my community on this matter."

A spokesman for McDonald's argued the new restaurant would create a number of new jobs to the area, adding: “Our scheme will deliver a range of local benefits, including creating more than 100 jobs. McDonald’s proposals include controls to ensure that customers exiting the site will only be permitted to turn left, sufficient parking to accommodate demand, and a carefully planned system to regulate traffic and prevent queuing."

Antony Clements-Thrower