Online Representation

Personal Details:  Please Note the Council Publishes the Name and Address of all people who comment on a Planning Application. 

Forename: Colin
Surname: Smith
Address: Brenchley, Cobden Street
Cobden Street

Opinion:

Overview View: OBJECT

Comment:

Comment:I am writing to strongly object to the proposed construction of a McDonald’s in Kirkby, for the following reasons:

1. Traffic Congestion
The proposed site is already located on a heavily congested road where traffic regularly backs up from the Nags Head to the train station bridge. Adding a McDonald’s, with its anticipated high volume of traffic, will exacerbate the existing problem.

The Aldi junction is already a known pinch point, causing delays and blockages. Placing another busy junction opposite this will create constant gridlock. The proposed right-turn filter lane is likely to fail in practice, as vehicles exiting the car park will block this lane, causing further backups both on the main road and within the car park itself. This will worsen traffic flow and increase journey times through the area, impacting both residents and businesses.

2. Road Safety
Increased traffic volumes pose significant risks to pedestrians and cyclists, especially given the current lack of adequate crossings or cycle lanes in the area. The planned location is near residential areas and schools, where children are vulnerable to the dangers of heavier traffic.

3. Anti-Social Behaviour
McDonald’s often attracts anti-social behaviour, particularly in the evening and late at night. The nearby lane is already dark and frequently misused by individuals parking to smoke or loiter. A 24-hour fast-food outlet will likely worsen this situation, creating a hotspot for loitering, noise disturbances, littering, and other undesirable activities.

4. Impact on Local Businesses
Independent fast-food outlets and cafes currently provide diverse and unique options to the community. The introduction of a McDonald’s could unfairly harm these small businesses, leading to a loss of local character and economic diversity. Corporate fast-food chains often operate with significant financial advantages, which makes it nearly impossible for independent operators to compete.

5. Environmental Concerns
Fast-food outlets like McDonald’s generate significant amounts of litter, much of which ends up in the local environment rather than being disposed of responsibly. Increased traffic will also contribute to air and noise pollution, further degrading the quality of life for nearby residents.

6. Inadequate Infrastructure
The town’s infrastructure is already struggling to handle current traffic and parking demands. Without addressing these systemic issues, adding a high-traffic venue like McDonald’s is irresponsible and short-sighted.

7. Health and Well-being
The promotion of unhealthy eating habits is a concern, particularly with the high prevalence of obesity and diet-related health issues. A McDonald’s may encourage poor dietary choices, especially among young people, due to its aggressive marketing and low-cost menu options.

In light of these issues, I urge the planning committee to reject this application. Instead, I encourage investment in solutions to improve traffic flow, enhance public safety, and support local businesses, which are more in line with the long-term interests of the community.

Thank you for considering this objection.