It is with great disappointment that we have learnt of McDonald’s appeal to the Secretary of State against Guildford Borough Council’s July 2025 refusal of their planning application to build a 24/7 drive-through restaurant within the Tice’s Meadow and Tongham Ponds Site of Nature Conservation Interest.

We continue to strongly believe that this is a highly inappropriate development for the following main reasons (more reasons are outlined on our petition):

•    Inappropriate development in the countryside – the site sits within land designated as countryside in the Guildford Borough Local Plan, described as “an important open gap between Ash and Tongham, and Aldershot” and “a green corridor and tranquil setting with considerable biodiversity and recreation value”.

•    Negative impacts on biodiversity – the site sits within the Tice’s Meadow and Tongham Ponds SNCI and the River Blackwater Biodiversity Opportunity Area, and will have a significant negative impact on biodiversity, including numerous protected and priority species, contrary to the Guildford Borough Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework

•    Negative visual impact – the proposed restaurant and 7m high illuminated sign will be visible from the SNCI, Surrey Hills National Landscape, the Area of Great Landscape Value, and Runfold Ridge SANGS.

•    Flooding – the site is within Flood Zone 2, and immediately adjacent to Flood Zone 3, within an area of high fluvial flood risk. The proposed development will add a further 3,193m2 of impermeable area to the River Blackwater floodplain.

•    Litter – the proposed development is likely to generate significant amounts of litter, much of which will end up in the wider SNCI and surrounding countryside and road network, areas that McDonald’s staff will be unable to safely access to litter pick.

We encourage all who oppose this highly inappropriate development to submit objections to the Planning Inspectorate. Note that previous objections have been forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate by GBC, but further objections and additions are welcomed.

Objections can be lodged at the Planning Inspectorate website:
https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/appeals/6002913

Or posted to: The Planning Inspectorate, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol, BS1 6PN.

Make sure to quote the appeal reference number: 6002913

All objections must be received by The Planning Inspectorate by 10th March 2026.

We will continue to review McDonald’s appeal documents, and consult with local politicians, allies, and the local community. Working together, we believe that the local community can stop this highly inappropriate development.