News / fishponds
McDonald’s wins appeal for new restaurant
Since 2014, protest group No McDonald’s In Fishponds have been fighting to prevent the fast-food giant from building a new 24-hour drive-through on Fishponds Road, but now it seems as though the golden arches have won.
Despite countless protests from residents over the planned two-story outlet, the restaurant has now been given the go-ahead by a government planning officer, after Bristol City Council had initially rejected the plans back in 2015.
In a blog post, locals said they were concerned about traffic congestion, litter, health risks and squeezing out competition. However, despite these concerns, the decision has swung in favour of McDonald’s, who have been extremely persistent in their pursuit of the new branch.
is needed now More than ever
Mike Jempson, from the Say No To McDonald’s campaign group, said that “planning law has been skewed to favour developers against the common people”.
He went on to say: “We remain convinced that the McDonald’s footprint will be to the detriment of greater Fishponds”.
The group will consider its options before deciding whether to challenge the latest decision in the High Court.
McDonald’s responded by issuing the following statement;
“We are pleased that our application has been allowed but will now be taking time to review the inspector’s decision. We strongly believe that we will make a positive contribution to the local community, not least through the creation of 65 new jobs for local people.”
Read more: Bristol’s fast food addiction revealed
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