Local residents oppose new McDonald’s proposal plans (Image: Ellie Smith)
Residents in Stirchley, Birmingham, went out to protest against the proposals for a new fast-food restaurant opening in the area.
The ‘Down with the Clown’ protest saw “at least 100 residents” come together yesterday afternoon in opposition to the idea of a restaurant and drive-thru being built on one of their busiest roads.
Stirchley in was voted as the best place to live in the Midlands in a Sunday Times guide and is recognised for its number of independent businesses.
Locals believe that proposals for a McDonald’s restaurant with parking spaces and a drive-thru will ruin the suburb’s identity. As well as the protest, over 1,000 people have signed an online petition against the popular food chain’s proposals
Sophie Parekh who lives locally with her husband and two children and works for is the admin of the community WhatsApp group and organised the event. She told : “The protest is a means of unifying hearts and minds of a coming cause.”
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The protest took place between 2pm and 6pm (Image: Sophie Parekh)
While many people are focused on the impact it will have on the local businesses, Sophie believes that the businesses are only part of the wider concern. She said: “The press is focusing on the local businesses, but the concern of the local businesses alone will not stop McDonald’s from submitting the application.”
Sophie was hand-delivered a letter of support from the local MP Al Carns’ office.
The Labour MP for Birmingham Selly Oak wrote: “As Member of Parliament for the area, I am writing to oppose the proposal for a McDonald’s on the Pershore Road site in Stirchley.
“After speaking with many residents, small businesses, and Cllr Locke, I do not believe this would be right for Stirchley or the wider area.”
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Residents are ready to continue the ‘fight’ if needed (Image: Ellie Smith)
Residents say a new McDonald’s will increase traffic and pollution (Image: Google Maps)
The MP went on to explain his objections to the proposal, which included the high level of road traffic in the area, West Midlands child obesity rates, the local economy, and the environmental impact on Stirchley.
If plans go ahead for the new McDonald’s, it will be built off Hazelwell Lane by Pershore Road, part of the Key Road Network, which carries 50% of West Midlands traffic despite only making up 7% of the region’s road.
The residents worry about the environmental impact the restaurant will cause, such as pollution and “increased traffic to an already busy road”, which is what has driven them to make a stand, hoping to put an end to the proposals.
Sophie added: “The best outcome is that McDonald’s would see so much opposition that they will not submit applications to Birmingham City Council.”
Tuesday’s turnout played a vital role in the residents’ determination to prevent the McDonald’s restaurant from opening however the organiser believes that they heading in the right direction.
Sophie said: “Senior stakeholders seemed to have taken on board how residents feel – which is overwhelmingly negative. The WhatsApp group continues to grow, and we are pulling together resources to take on the fight if needed.”
McDonald’s will be having an online consultation period, which will run between November 12 and November 26. The chain said it will review all feedback before finalising and submitting a planning application to Birmingham City Council.