Online Representation

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

Forename: Adam
Surname: Green
Address: 33 Regent Street, Kirkby In Ashfield, NG17 8AY

Opinion:

Overview View: SUPPORT

Comment:

Comment:To whomever it may concern,

I am strongly and enthusiastically in support of the new McDonald’s restaurant coming to Kirkby-in-Ashfield, viewing it as a transformative boost that our town truly deserves and needs right now. This long-awaited development will deliver a substantial number of high-quality local jobs—approximately 80 positions, according to McDonald’s own proposals—spanning full-time and part-time roles with excellent training programs, clear pathways for career progression, and the kind of stable employment opportunities that can make a real difference to families, young people entering the workforce, and those seeking flexible hours in our community. By putting money directly into local pockets through wages, this initiative will stimulate spending power, reduce unemployment pressures, and contribute meaningfully to a more vibrant and resilient local economy, while also generating significant business rates—around £45,000 annually for Ashfield District Council—to help fund essential services that benefit us all.

Beyond employment, the arrival of a world-famous brand like McDonald’s will act as a powerful magnet for increased footfall, drawing shoppers, families, and visitors from Kirkby itself as well as neighboring areas who might otherwise head elsewhere. This surge in visitors will create a positive ripple effect, breathing new life into our high street and surrounding businesses—whether independent shops, cafes, or other retailers—through greater cross-patronage, extended dwell times, and an overall uplift in the town’s commercial appeal and vitality. Kirkby-in-Ashfield stands to gain a much-needed injection of energy and modernity, helping to position our community as a more attractive destination rather than one that people simply pass through.

Of course, any major new development brings legitimate questions about traffic, and I fully recognize the concerns raised by residents about potential congestion in the Lane End area. However, I am firmly convinced that the proactive and responsible steps being taken address these issues head-on and effectively. The planned installation of new traffic lights, along with other highway improvements such as footway widening, enhanced street lighting, and potentially contributions toward pedestrian crossings or related infrastructure, demonstrate a committed, evidence-based approach to managing vehicle flows safely and efficiently. These measures—carefully designed following detailed assessments—will not only mitigate any short-term impacts but will actually improve overall road safety and accessibility for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike in the long run. McDonald’s has consistently maintained that the traffic effects will be negligible, and with these smart enhancements in place, we can confidently move forward without undue worry.

In short, this new McDonald’s represents far more than just another fast-food outlet—it is a strategic investment in Kirkby-in-Ashfield’s future prosperity, job creation, community vibrancy, and thoughtful growth. By embracing this opportunity while supporting the sensible traffic solutions already underway, we can secure lasting benefits that will help our town thrive for years to come. I urge everyone to see the bigger picture: progress with purpose, delivering real gains for local people and our shared economy.

Yours Sincerely,

Adam Green