McDonald’s withdrew its plan to replace a Worcester Park Poundland after community opposition over traffic and litter concerns.
The restaurant offered space for twenty-five people and aimed to create about 120 jobs for locals. McDonald’s wanted to change the front parking lot, planning five motorcycle delivery spots and one accessible parking space in the design. Six Sheffield cycle stands, capable of holding twelve bicycles, were also part of the proposal.
McDonald’s said the project would help the town by bringing jobs and life to the area; it would also reuse an existing building. However, McDonald’s withdrew their application less than a year after submitting it. Many locals did not want the new restaurant, with four hundred seventy-one residents objecting to the plan and only seven people actually supporting it.
One resident, Nicholas Monteith, raised concerns, citing increased traffic and litter as problems. He thought the entrance would cause traffic jams and the parking would be insufficient, noting other McDonald’s are nearby. Another resident, Greg Brutton, strongly objected, concerned about traffic and pedestrian safety, saying the location already has traffic issues and sees vehicle blockages with Poundland customers, and McDonald’s would bring even more traffic.
Brutton stated it could cause environmental damage and that it would increase bad behavior, potentially driving residents away from the high street. Constance Dale also voiced her disapproval of the store, saying the road already had many fast food places. She wants to support diverse local traders and thinks fast food is bad for the community, citing litter, traffic, and unhealthy food worries, as well as vermin attracted by waste food, as concerns.
McDonald’s planners said they considered local history and claimed they improved the plan. They stated they did a detailed traffic analysis and argued the design suited the area and improves the building.
The Poundland store will stay open for now. The future for the location remains uncertain, and people can continue to shop there as usual.