Controversial McDonald's plans near Surrey nature reserve rejected
Hugely controversial plans to build an iconic fast food drive-thru next to a Surrey nature reserve have been thrown out.
McDonald’s hopes have been scuppered after Guildford Borough Council rejected the scheme for a new branch at the Tongham Service Station on the A31.
Planning officers slammed the application claiming it would erode the countryside, cause “unacceptable” loss of conservation land as well as lying in an area at risk of flooding.
Other reasons included the plans failed to provide enough detail on how the development would impact projected species or whether habitats would be lost.
The proposed restaurant – which would have been located on land backing on to Tice’s Meadow Nature Reservation near Aldershot – would have included 45 new parking spaces, customer order displays and children’s play frame.
Notably, McDonald’s also said it would create a “habitat conservation area” on the land, open to the public but managed by a third party.
Plans have been met with staunch opposition from residents and MPs, with over 180 letters of objection being sent to Guildford Borough Council.
People expressed severe concern at the American fast-food chain impact on the environment being so close to a new nature reserve with lots of sparkling wildlife.
Three Surrey MPs have also united in criticism of the scheme including Greg Stafford MP for Farnham & Bordon, Jeremy Hunt MP for Godalming & Ash, and Alex Baker MP for Aldershot, all writing to the council’s Head of Planning.
Representatives of the Happy Meal giant have previously said the drive-thru will “deliver significant benefits for the local community” in an area which has a “strong need for a new restaurant”.
McDonald’s previously said the new restaurant would create 120 local jobs, bring in significant investment and “be a good neighbour” in the community.
McDonald’s has around six months to lodge an appeal.