Plans for fifth McDonald's in Colchester

But, people have been raising concerns about the impact on traffic

Author: Lettie BuxtonPublished 7th Apr 2021

Plans for another McDonald's in Colchester have been submitted, but people have been raising concerns about the impact it will have on traffic.

It would be the fast food chain's fifth site in the town, with three of the existing restaurants located within 5km of the proposed new site.

Schroder UK Real Estate Fund has applied for planning permission for the restaurant and drive thru at Turner Rise Retail Park in Petrolea Close.

But, there have been many objections to the plans with people raising concerns about the impact it will have on traffic in the area.

One comment reads: "There will be even more traffic in an already very congested area".

But, a transport statement submitted to Colchester Borough Council states "Essex County Council Highway Authority concluded that in traffic terms the proposal would not have a severe impact".

It continues:

"The proposed restaurant will attract predominantly linked trips with the Retail Park, therefore the level of traffic impact to the network would be similar to the level of traffic which has already been permitted/agreed.

"The North Station and Turner Road Roundabouts are no doubt busy however the level of traffic generated by the proposed restaurant is comparatively low.

"Evidence has also be provided to demonstrate that a significant proportion of trips to the new Turner Rise restaurant would be existing McDonald's customers transferring from Colchester Pool and Colchester Stadium.

"Many of these customers would be already passing through the North Station Roundabouts in any event.

"The proposal would attract some external trips from the network which would be 'new' however the majority of trips are expected to be existing McDonald's customers, traffic already on the A134 or linked trips with the Retail Park."

It is expected the site would be open 24 hours Monday to Sunday, with up to 180 seats in the dining area.

The proposed opening year is 2022.

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