McDonald’s has been given the green light to construct a drive-thru restaurant at Birmingham Airport, despite concerns about traffic congestion. The fast food giant’s application was narrowly approved by Solihull planners.
As previously reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, McDonald’s submitted the original application for the drive-thru on Car Park 6 of BHX in September. The plans included artist’s impressions of the proposed restaurant, showcasing the site, outdoor seating area and the iconic ‘Golden Arches’ signage.
However, during a consultation, seven objections were raised, with concerns centred around potential traffic congestion as the site provides the only access to the airport staff’s car park. Bickenhill Parish Council also objected, with councillors fearing it could become a hotspot for “car cruising”.
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The plans for the site south east of the Airport Way/Viking Road/Jetstream Road roundabout were discussed at the latest meeting of Solihull Council planning committee. During the debate, Councillor Jane Lamden queried: “Will they (McDonald’s) be using food delivery people from there?
“They can cause real problems with parking – and parking is going to be an issue here.” Planning officer Becky Stevens confirmed the plans showed four parking bays designated for couriers. “I know from Chemsley Wood McDonald’s it’s a nightmare to get parking,” the councillor added, reports Birmingham Live.
“They (couriers) are everywhere. They are on the pavement. I get a bit concerned about access, parking.”
The officer pointed out a condition requiring the restaurant to devise a parking management strategy. Councillor Mark Wilson voiced his worries the new McDonald’s would exacerbate the already congested road network around the airport, with concerns raised about pedestrians crossing to the site.
The officer responded: “It is proposed the majority of the use of this will be through existing users of the airport coming and going so it wouldn’t increase the traffic movements.”
It was also noted that Solihull Council highways officers had not objected regarding congestion or pedestrian safety. The application was approved, subject to conditions, by a vote of five to three.
In the original planning application, Lichfields, the agent for McDonald’s, stated the economic benefits of the proposed development would be “considerable”, creating 185 jobs during construction and 75 equivalent full time jobs once the restaurant has opened.
The proposed 309 square metre restaurant will be decked out in the iconic McDonald’s colours, offering customers the choice to either dine in or use the drive-thru for takeaway. The meeting was held at the Civic Suite, Solihull, on Wednesday, (January 8).