CONTROVERSIAL plans have been given the green light to build a new McDonald's and Greggs drive-through off a busy roundabout near Yate.
Greene King Commercial Investments has received planning permission from South Gloucestershire Council to build two drive-throughs at Emersons Green near the Wick Wick Roundabout.
This includes a single-storey Greggs plus a two-storey McDonald's as well as external play equipment, erection of customer order points and canopies.
It is believed the development, which is located near Costa and Travelogue, will create 131 new jobs, this includes 34 full time and 97 part-time positions.
In addition, 62 parking spaces will be created, this includes four disabled bays and four EV charging points. Also 14 cycle spaces will be created.
Planning documents show building a sales counter, indoor seating area, kitchen and toilets as well as an outdoor seating area at the Greggs.
Meanwhile, the McDonald's includes a sales counter, indoor and outdoor seating areas, an outdoor play area, a kitchen and customer toilets at ground floor, with staff facilities, offices, freezer units.
However, the plans are controversial with 28 comments on the application from residents including six in support and 22 objecting to the scheme.
Many residents said they would have preferred anything but more fast food restaurants and would have liked the site to be transformed into a community facility or a pub.
Other concerns included how the development would affect house prices, traffic, noise and pollution issues, the attraction of anti-social behaviour, and the lack of consultation with neighbours.
One resident said: “I strongly object to these planning proposals, as a local resident we simply do not require another fast food outlet attracting anti-social behaviour.”
A neighbour said: “My house backs onto the ring road and every night we are kept awake by people using it as a racetrack with loud exhausts.
“I believe that having a McDonalds there will make the issue even worse.”
A council document by the applicant reads: “It has also been shown that the nature of proposed uses as ancillary facilities will support the employment area and support the principles of sustainable development.
“It is also considered that it will enhance the visual amenities of the area by removing a currently vacant and derelict parcel of land.”
The application was approved with conditions by South Gloucestershire Council on Friday, June 30.
A separate construction management plan will also have to be approved by SGC before construction can begin which includes hours of operation and traffic restrictions.
You can view the full application using reference P23/00568/F or here - https://tinyurl.com/yaux85my
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