Green councillors call for McDonald's plan to be brought to planning committee

Councillor Trish Marsh (Green Party) says she is angry at the way the proposed two-storey restaurant, on land in Barons Cross Road next to Morrisons Filling Station, was presented by joint applicants McDonald’s and Morrisons.

She has asked that Herefordshire Council planning committee to decide on the plan should planning officers move to accept proposals outright.

She said: “Describing the site as ‘land at Morrisons Car Park, Barons Cross Road, Leominster’ is wilfully misleading as the application is for a greenfield site.

“Many people have, understandably, not grasped where the application is because of this misleading name.

“This small patch of greenery by the Morrisons roundabout is a key location for the town, at the entrance to the town proper.

“Unlike the supermarket in its dip, the two-storey development would be highly visible, industrial in character, surrounded by tarmac and entirely out-of-keeping with the rest of the streetscape.”

Local objectors have raised concerns about traffic congestion, road safety, noise, litter and proposed felling of trees.

The restaurant, featuring serving booths for ‘drive-thru’ customers, would open seven days a week from 6am to 11pm to provide food and drink.

One resident, Caroline Rogers, said: “We feel it is a good idea but totally in the wrong location.

“It would be on an already very busy roundabout that is regularly congested, and the pollution level is bad enough already.

“It could be sited on the A49 to replace the two Little Chef outlets that closed plus the planned building of 400 new houses would put a further strain on the area.”

However, many others feel the proposals are a great idea.

Carly Phillips, a supporter, said: “It will create more jobs in the town and will be a great place for children.”

Residents have until May 25 to make their views known to planners.

Details can be found on the Herefordshire Council website, plan reference P181448/F.