Battle lines are drawn over McDonald's plan in Sheffield

Residents are lining up in opposition against plans to build a 24-hour McDonald's in a north Sheffield suburb.
McDonald'sMcDonald's
McDonald's

The restaurant, earmarked for Ecclesfield, would offer space for 100 diners, 37 parking spaces, an outdoor play area and a drive-through on land next to the police station on The Common.

Bosses at the fast-food giant have said the eatery would bring 65 jobs - full and part-time vacancies.

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McDonald’s chiefs also added they would be employing ‘local’ contractors for the construction, if the plans get past councillors.

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

But residents in Ecclesfield have reacted angrily to plans citing concerns about 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.

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More than 80 people have objected to the plans with just a single individual supporting the proposal.

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

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

And in a letter of objection, Anthony Barton, who lives near the planned McDonald’s site, 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.”

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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 Ecclesfield.

“The proposed development will provide over 65 jobs for the community. 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.”