Residents' anger over plans to build a new 24-hour McDonald's in Sheffield

Residents have reacted angrily to plans to build a 24-hour McDonald's in a north Sheffield suburb.
McDonald'sMcDonald's
McDonald's

The restaurant plans earmarked for Ecclesfield, would include restaurant space for 100 people, 37 parking spaces, an outdoor play area and a drive-thru on land next-door to Ecclesfield police station on The Common.

Bosses at the global fast-food giant have said the build would bring 65 jobs - a mixture of full and part-time vacancies.

McDonald's are wanting to build a 24-hour restaurant with a drive-thru on the former South Yorkshire Police training centre on The Common, Ecclesfield. Picture GoogleMcDonald's are wanting to build a 24-hour restaurant with a drive-thru on the former South Yorkshire Police training centre on The Common, Ecclesfield. Picture Google
McDonald's are wanting to build a 24-hour restaurant with a drive-thru on the former South Yorkshire Police training centre on The Common, Ecclesfield. Picture Google
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McDonald’s chiefs also added they would be employing ‘local’ contractors for the construction if the plans get past council planning chiefs.

This would be the eighth 24-hour McDonald’s in Sheffield after Atterclife, Granville Square, Hillsborough, Darnall, Handsworth, Millhouses and Drake House Retail Park in Waterthorpe.

But many in Ecclesfield have reacted angrily to plans citing concerns on litter, noise and access to the police station.

Others have questioned the need for a fast-food restaurant in a residential area and said housing would be a better option.

An artist's impression of what the plans might look likeAn artist's impression of what the plans might look like
An artist's impression of what the plans might look like
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Dozens of people have commented on the application objecting to the proposals. Over 80 people have objected to the plan with just one supporting it.

Ecclesfield Parish Council also said they ‘strongly objected’ to the plans.

One resident said Ecclesfield had gone from a quiet village to a ‘noisy troublesome township’.

Resident Anthony Barton, who lives nearby to the planned McDonald’s site, sent a letter of objection to Sheffield Council planners.

An artist's impression of what the plans might look likeAn artist's impression of what the plans might look like
An artist's impression of what the plans might look like
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He said: “I believe this is the wrong choice for the area. The area is already fed by a number of fast food outlets throughout Ecclesfield, Parson Cross, Shiregreen and Chapeltown.

“There has been no consultation with the local area and public and if this is built, we would have to look at the legality of the decision.”

Jean Cooke also sent a letter of objection to the council planners and said the McDonald’s build would ‘devalue’ their property and claimed residents living on The Common were not informed by letter like others.

Mrs Cooke who lives close to the planned build, said parking is already an issue in the area and things would only get worse.

The proposed site, circled in red, is situated next to Ecclesfield police stationThe proposed site, circled in red, is situated next to Ecclesfield police station
The proposed site, circled in red, is situated next to Ecclesfield police station
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She said: “Residents like my husband and I strongly appose this application. It not only causes litter problems but we have enough to deal with parking on the top of our drive.

“It seems Ecclesfield has gone from quite a quiet village to a noisy troublesome township.

“The only time we are considered is when it’s time for local elections.”

Paul David Drabble said: “Some potential problems include traffic congestion in an area. It’s already troubled with congestion due on street parking by staff from the bus depot, and other surrounding businesses and buses waiting their standing times and driver swap overs. Excessive waiting times at the traffic-lights due to access to Morrisions via traffic lights especially at peak traffic times.

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“South Yorkshire Police have a Sub Divisional HQ next door and increased congestion may very well negatively impact on police vehicles ability to access the building.”

“The problems of the constant smell of fast food, litter, unwanted gangs of youths, noise and the eyesore of a 24 hour light up McDonald’s sign on 24 hours a day.”

McDonald's are wanting to build a 24-hour restaurant with a drive-thru on the former South Yorkshire Police training centre on The Common, Ecclesfield. Picture GoogleMcDonald's are wanting to build a 24-hour restaurant with a drive-thru on the former South Yorkshire Police training centre on The Common, Ecclesfield. Picture Google
McDonald's are wanting to build a 24-hour restaurant with a drive-thru on the former South Yorkshire Police training centre on The Common, Ecclesfield. Picture Google

A McDonald’s spokesman said: “It is considered that planning policy at national and local level is supportive of proposals to develop a freestanding McDonald’s restaurant at Sheffied, Ecclesfield.

“The proposed development will provide over 65 jobs for the community. Details have been provided on McDonald’s efforts to provide opportunities for skills and training through their internal management training programme.

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“Sufficient parking has been provided at the restaurant with accessible parking located as close to the restaurant entrance as possible.

“In light of the above, we trust officers are able to support the application.”