McDonalds’ expansion programme has received a boost with two unexpected planning decisions in Croydon, south London, and Bulwell in Nottingham.
In Croydon, a McDonalds drive through will form part of the redevelopment of the 1ha (2.5 acre) Waddon goods yard on Purley Way. General Land & Trading Co was granted planning permission last week for a 1,672 sq m (18,000 sq ft) retail warehouse, pre-let to Staples, and a 260 sq m (2,800 sq ft) drive through restaurant.
Consent was granted by the London Borough of Croydon’s planning committee in spite of an officers’ recommendation to refuse the application. The planners had taken the view that the application was in breach of PPGs 6 and 13. But the councillors saw the proposed development as a much-needed improvement on the site’s current use as a scrap yard. Cantor Associates acted for the developer.
In Bulwell, Nottingham, McDonalds has successfully overturned a refusal of its planning application for another drive-through. Last year, an application was refused on the grounds of loss of industrial land. McDonalds lodged an appeal and now Nottingham planning officers are recommending approval of a new application.
McDonalds is on target to open 100 new restaurants in the UK this year, and 80% of the new openings will be drive-through facilities.
EGi News 31/05/96
