Archive - Thursday, 14 February 2002


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McDonald's to open in Stroud

McDONALD'S has been given the go-ahead to open in Stroud.

After years of false starts, the fast food giant finally got the green light for an 85-seater restaurant and drive-thru at Merrywalks. The decision went ahead despite grave concerns over traffic safety.

Stroud District Council development control committee thrashed out the application in a debate lasting nearly two hours yesterday morning and eventually ruled to award planning permission to the fast-food chain.

Since the application was filed last year it has generated impassioned debate from many quarters, which was reflected in the presence of four police officers patrolling around Ebley Mill.

A handful of supporters and around 20 objectors, including a protester dressed as a chicken packed the debating chamber at Ebley Mill.

Protesters from campaign group Catalyst also picketed outside the meeting - they believe the multinational will undermine Stroud's economic viability, devalue its green credentials and generate big traffic problems.

Its backers said a silent majority want McDonald's in Stroud and believe it will be another piece in the economic jigsaw to kick-start the town's fortunes.

Just over 50 letters of support were sent to SDC, while more than 1,900 letters of objection were received. But the objection which provoked the most heated debate was from Gloucestershire County Council highways bosses.

They urged SDC to throw out the application because extra traffic movements will make Merrywalks more hazardous, increase congestion and cited poor pedestrian links to the town centre.

In previous applications that has proved a stumbling block but this time SDC planning officers recommended the proposal because Rowcroft Retreat would be part pedestrianised, excluding all vehicles except trade traffic to Merrywalks Shopping Centre, Rowcroft Medical Centre and Lloyds Bank. Taxis could be moved to the Subscription Rooms.

For more on this story and much more Five Valleys news, see this week's SNJ