Town has lower proportion of takeaways - appeal

McDonald's has argued that building a drive-thru restaurant in Bingley would not lead to an "over-concentration of takeaways" in the town.

The fast food giant's plans for a two-storey eatery on the site of the town's former police station were rejected by Bradford Council's district planning panel in September.

The firm appealed the decision and a planning inspector heard evidence from both the company and the council at a hearing on Tuesday.

Councillors had opposed the scheme over access issues, parking and public health concerns, despite planning officers from the authority recommending the plans be approved.

Andrew Moseley, representing the fast food firm, said the town had a lower-than-average proportion of takeaway businesses.

"There is no evidence of an over-concentration of takeaways, but it is in fact below the national average," he said.

He said there was "no evidence" the business would lead to public health problems, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

He also told the government-appointed planning inspector that the scheme would include a 24-space car park and create between 85 and 90 full time equivalent jobs.

However, councillor Joe Wheatley said there had been reports of anti-social behaviour at the McDonald's in nearby Guiseley, and said residents feared there could be similar issues at this branch if the plans were approved.

Referring to public health concerns, he said Bingley was already well supplied with takeaways.

Wheatley added that about 4,000 children went to schools within a mile of the proposed McDonald's, and raised concerns that the branch could promote unhealthy eating and increase childhood obesity.

The planning inspector told the hearing he could not give a timescale for when he would make his decision on the appeal.

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