Dumfries not on board with McDonald’s expansion
Developers say this could generate £4m investment in the town if plans are approved
McDonald’s is aiming to serve up another restaurant and drive-through in Dumfries – but local residents are not in the mood for a Happy Meal.
The fast-food chain has submitted a planning application with Dumfries and Galloway Council to build a restaurant on land north of Annan Road.
This would include a drive-through, service yard, and 45 car parking spaces.
The restaurant would create new jobs in the community and planning papers say that the development would be a £4m investment in the town.
However, the move has sparked an angry reaction from some members of the public – and eight formal objections.
One of them wrote: “Dumfries is awash with fast food and unhealthy eating establishments as well as ‘convenience stores’.
“Is it not time that the town decided to upgrade its image and become a place well known for its good food rather than its cheap unhealthy food?
“Obesity has become a major issue amongst the population, not just of Dumfries but country-wide. Eating fast food does not help with this problem.
“Education and help is needed to wean people off this very addictive food. Opening yet another McDonald’s is not going to help this aim.”
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These are wider health arguments and not material planning considerations, which councillors will be focusing on when considering the application at next week’s planning committee.
Council planning case officer Claire Eckstein is recommending refusal, primarily on the grounds that the site is not suitable and a McDonald’s restaurant at this spot would have an “unduly detrimental visual impact”.
Planning papers explains that the site lies within area of undeveloped ground to the south of Solway Gate/Premier Inn that lies on corner of the A75 Dumfries bypass and the A780.
To the west of site is Brasswell Office Park and directly opposite are fields, with the railway line and the larger buildings of Oakbank Waste Management visible in the distance.
The proposal of 45 car parking spaces, including three accessible spaces, two electric vehicle charging points, two grill bays, three courier parking bays, and eight cycle spaces was described as “adequate” in terms of parking provision.
Of the eight objections the council received, six of those came from Dumfries residents, one from a person living in Palnackie, and another living in Moniaive.
Their concerns centred around the environment, traffic issues, and litter.
Councillors will make the final decision on the McDonald’s plans next Thursday.