Sandwell Council's planning committee is set to decide on July 29 whether to approve a controversial McDonald's drive-thru in Cradley Heath, with officers recommending the plan goes ahead. The fast-food giant wants to demolish the Cradley Kawasaki showroom and workshop on St Anne's Road to make way for a new restaurant and drive-thru.
Public Opposition and Support
A total of 54 objections were lodged against the plans, alongside a 92-signature petition opposing the development. Critics cited concerns over increased noise, traffic congestion, litter, and potential anti-social behaviour. However, 19 responses supported the drive-thru, highlighting job creation and area regeneration.
The new restaurant would create 70 full-time jobs and operate from 6am to midnight. Plans include a waiting area for delivery drivers and a 30-space car park.
Planning Policy Conflicts
Council planners acknowledged that the site is allocated for residential development in the current adopted plan, and the proposal conflicts with that policy. The report states: "The site is allocated for residential development within the current adopted development plan … and the proposals would conflict with [that] policy. This would prevent the site coming forward for residential use, to the detriment of meeting identified needs, and exacerbating a shortfall."
The proposal also contradicts emerging policy that designates the site for employment use. However, planners concluded that "the proposal overcomes all other material considerations, and its harm would be limited by its restricted opening hours. The economic investment and job creation outweighs the policy contraventions noted above."
Site Viability
The planning application argued that the site has been marketed for residential use for over 12 months without meaningful interest, and that lack of progress since 2012 shows it is not viable for housing. A statement included with the application said: "It is important to note that sustained efforts have been made by the vendor to bring the site forward for residential development in line with the adopted allocation. The site has been actively marketed for a residential use for in excess of 12 months, however, no meaningful interest has been received."
