Plans to construct Herne Bay’s first McDonald’s as a part of a multi-million-pound improvement have sparked fears it’ll trigger site visitors “bedlam” on a busy roundabout.
Kitewood Estates launched a bid to develop Altira Enterprise Park in Broomfield by establishing the fast-food restaurant together with a B&M, Meals Warehouse and builders’ service provider.
The agency lodged the proposals with Canterbury Metropolis Council final month, only a few weeks after unveiling drawings of a 67-home property at Blacksole Farm close by.
However the scheme has attracted opposition from 12 residents, who imagine the Margate Street roundabout shut by will develop into gridlocked if the developer has its means.
“This shall be an enormous mistake,” mentioned Katie Porter, a mother-of-two who has lived in Herne Bay for 21 years.
“I exploit that roundabout each morning to hitch the New Thanet Method and it’s not extensive sufficient already for use as two lanes.
“A drive-thru restaurant goes to make it a lot worse.
“I’m all for supporting a restaurant right here, however a drive-thru goes to trigger bedlam.
“New companies are good for the world for jobs, however not on the expense of security.”
One other individual argues the development of the McDonald’s “will end in a significant site visitors incident” and worries it may create site visitors just like the sort seen on the department in Chestfield, close to Whitstable.
Locals additionally suppose the fast-food joint may result in unrest and larger ranges of litter within the space.
Objector Jack Kendall requested: “What impact on anti-social behaviour within the native space will this have?
toolstation “Has the council thought of any of this?”
However one individual residing close by, Janet Gates, doesn’t “see an issue in any respect with the event”, noting the brand new companies will “deliver folks to the city and create employment”.
Kitewood bosses say the event will create “111 new full-time jobs on-site and an additional 67 roles within the provide chain for native folks throughout operation”.
Paperwork present the corporate will fork out £10.3 million to assemble the whole web site, which may have virtually 240 parking areas.
A site visitors report submitted to town council by the corporate states routes near the brand new retailers and restaurant are “prone to function inside capability for almost all of the week”.
It additionally stresses the mission is “acceptable in highways and transport phrases”.
“This web site has the power to additional help and develop the regeneration of the world,” Kitewood officers say in planning papers.
“The scheme will stimulate financial improvement in Herne Bay, which is important popping out of the pandemic.
“It’ll present a extra numerous and engaging providing for Altira that’s higher suited to right now’s retail atmosphere.
“The proposed improvement shall be of a top quality and trendy design.”
Altira already homes a Sainsbury’s superstore, petrol station, Snap Health gymnasium, driving check centre and a department of Screwfix.
It was revealed final yr Metropolis Plumbing, Brewers adorning and Toolstation may also open premises on the complicated.
