Why the Big Mac is a Big Mistake for Our Community and Your Home

• McDonald's (the $30 billion multinational fast-food chain) have lodged a planning application to build a 'Drive-Thru' restaurant in our area. 
• If allowed to go ahead, their proposal will bring significant and unwelcome changes to our community. While there are numerous reasons to object to McDonald's in general, there are a number of specific issues relevant to this planning application.
  
  
• Traffic and Safety
  • While the government and local authorities are being encouraged to make decisions that reduce traffic levels and the dependence on car use, it is ironic that McDonald's expansion plans revolve around 'Drive-Thrus'.
  • If their application is approved, we will experience a significant rise in traffic levels in our already busy area. The new traffic created will cause nuisance to existing traffic and increase the danger of accidents for pedestrians.
  • Traffic will increase along Compton Road, Sydney Road and Whitehall Road to avoid traffic lights 

• Litter, Noise and Smells
  • While our area already suffers from noticeable litter and vandalism, the planned McDonald's will only make things worse.
  • The proposal includes very long opening hours (7am - 11pm, 7 days a week), and will result in noise and disturbances at all hours for local residents.
  • During the hot summer months, the smell from the kitchens, from waste storage and from litter discarded by customers may become offensive and attract vermin.
  • If approved, a minimum of three daily litter picks will be carried out to collect all litter within a 150m radius of the site, extending outside of the McDonald’s restaurant boundary.

This will cover just one estate.

Mary McArthur Gardens will not be covered in this radius.

Nearby streets will see an increase of litter from customers driving home

• Community and Local Business
  • Existing local businesses will lose trade to multinationals that will drain the life-blood from our community.
  • While McDonald's claims to offer new job opportunities, the majority of the jobs will be low paid, non-skilled, part-time jobs with no guaranteed hours.
  • As local businesses lose trade, people already employed may find themselves made redundant.
  • The local nursery is situated directly opposite the proposed site. Encouraging childhood obesity at an early age due to lifestyle choices from convenience food should be discouraged.

The thought of a McDonald's drive-thru restaurant being constructed on St Annes Road worries me profoundly due to its potential to negatively impact our community in Cradley Heath. 

St Annes Road is already experiencing a heavy flow of vehicles, especially during peak hours. Injecting a fast-food drive-thru into this congestion could lead to unprecedented traffic issues, making it difficult for residents to navigate safely.

In addition, the environmental implications cannot be overstated. The increase in vehicle emissions due to idling cars in drive-thru queues will degrade our air quality, which is detrimental to our health, our children, and our planet. Fast-food chains are notorious for contributing to litter in surrounding areas, further tarnishing the natural beauty of our neighbourhood.

Economically, while some might argue that the drive-thru could create jobs, it's important to prioritize businesses that align with our values and contribute positively to the local economy without compromising our community's integrity.

Alternative dining and community spaces should be considered for such investments—a development that encourages sustainability, local entrepreneurship, or a community facility that genuinely benefits our residents.

We need to preserve the character and quality of our neighbourhood by voicing our concerns against this development. Urge local councils and planning authorities to reconsider this proposal. Let's advocate for a Cradley Heath that remains peaceful and environmentally responsible. Please sign this petition to protect our community's well-being and future.

Plannning applications for this can be found on the Sandwell council website

https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/planning/view-planning-applications/3