Giant sign plans to be opposed (From Stroud News and Journal)

Giant sign plans to be opposed

McDONALD'S golden arches would not fit in with Stroud town centre, the council has said.

Despite the fact work for the 70-seater drive-thru at Merrywalks is already underway, the town council has vowed to oppose planning permission for the the 2.1 metre high fluorescent arches.

Councillors believe the famous McDonald sign is not in keeping with the rest of the town. Their objections are due to be noted when the matter comes up before the Stroud District Council development committee next year.

The arches would be yellow, 2.1m by 1.365m and permanently illuminated to advertise the burger chain to cars driving past Rowcroft towards Tesco, Slad Road and the train station.

McDonald's has applied for special planning permission to install the sign and Stroud Town Council was given a chance to comment on the proposal on Monday, December 9. Its remarks will now be forwarded to the district council.

The council objected on the grounds that it has a policy against all illuminated signs in the town centre.

Town clerk Susan Creswick said: "This sign will make Merrywalks look trashy and is not in keeping with the town centre.

"We have a policy against signs like this because light pollution." Cllr Kevin Cranston said: "If they must have signs they should be smaller."

McDonald's was given planning permission for an outlet at Rowcroft in the summer after a long battle with protesters.

Building began last month. It is expected to be finished by the Spring.

Campaigners have already turned up to lobby potential customers with placards and slogans and have vowed to continue protesting about the implications of the restaurant for local businesses and food producers.

Stroud District Council is likely to consider the plans for the McDonald's signs at the next development control committee meeting on Tuesday, January 14 at 10am.