The application for a new McDonald’s takeaway on London Road has been rejected.
Councillors on Sheffield City Council’s Planning Committee unanimously voted against the proposal.
Councillor Marieanne Elliot and Councillor Henry Nottage were amongst the councillors sitting on the planning committee.
Cllr Marieanne Elliot said:
“There were strong reasons to reject this McDonald’s drive-through; particularly the negative public health impacts and the proximity to schools and places that young people congregate. The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that fast food outlets should not be approved in these circumstances.”
“It would have been so close to Lowfield School which already suffers from the worst levels of air pollution in the whole of Sheffield.”
“I was also concerned about the impact on nearby residents on Chippinghouse Road, who would have to live with the smell of ultra processed food every day and the other undesirable effects of having a fast food giant across the road – like idling engines when customers are waiting for takeaways and increased litter.”
“Over 200 people commented in opposition to the proposal, many comments were from local residents citing genuine and relevant concerns. These concerns were amplified by the community campaign. The outcome at the Planning Committee was the right one.”
The proposed McDonalds would have been in Nether Edge and Sharrow Ward, in the London Road, Broadfield Road and Chippinghouse Road area.
Nether Edge and Sharrow Ward Councillor Maroof Raouf said:
“The proposal for a McDonald’s near our schools and open spaces has finally been rejected. Thank you to everyone who spoke up, campaigned, and stood together in the blistering cold of autumn, in the warm sunshine of summer, in the fumes of passing traffic, and in the crosshairs of a powerful international corporation. David has overcome Goliath, health has come before corporate greed, and that’s a huge victory for our community!
“This decision doesn’t just protect Sheffield’s children from unhealthy food and obesity, it also prevents more traffic, more congestion, and more litter around school gates and in our amazing communities. This decision has shown that when we unite in Green ideas; we can create safer, cleaner, and healthier spaces for all.”
Sharrow resident and activist, Lynsey Angell, who lead the community campaign against the McDonald’s, said,
“We are so glad that local people came to protest against this proposed McDonald’s.
“It is important that local voices are heard on issues like this. So my thanks to everyone who was involved in the campaign .”
