McDonald’s plan for former Buffet Island restaurant draws strong objections

More than 100 objections have been lodged against the conversion of the once popular Buffet Island restaurant in Great Barr into a McDonald’s. Members of Walsall Council’s planning committee are to discuss the fast food giant’s bid to create a drive-thru restaurant on the vacant Queslett Road site.

Officers recommended members give approval for the development, subject to conditions and an agreed travel plan. But a report to the committee, which will meet on June 20, said the plan had attracted strong opposition, with 110 individual objections registered during the consultation phase.

Concerns included “an increase in litter and litter, anti-social behaviour, traffic congestion, pedestrian safety, accidents, noise nuisance, odours, increased crime, air quality, vermin and a McDonald’s already open nearby”. But the proposal has attracted some support, with one resident saying: “This former buffet island is an absolute disgrace to this community.

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“It has been left to rot, is in a disgusting state of disrepair and is a constant attraction for trouble, vandals and general bad behaviour, for which the police are often required. The council owes a duty of care to the residents of Pheasey. to stop this and improve this huge site for local residents and I think McDonalds would do this in part by improving the current site and continuing to be responsible for its maintenance.”

The application was “called in” by Councilor Adrian Andrew on the grounds of significant public interest requiring consideration. The report to the committee said: “It has been demonstrated that the proposed development has an generally acceptable appearance, would not result in harm to the natural or built environment.

“Overall it is considered that the proposal would not result in an undue impact on the amenity of the occupiers. The proposal would not result in harm to the safety or operation of the motorway network under the conditions set out.”

If granted, McDonald’s said the new facility would represent a multi-million investment while bringing 120 full-time and part-time jobs to the area. In addition to the restaurant itself, there will also be 46 parking spaces, a bike rack for up to 10 bikes, a children’s play area and electric charging points.

McDonald’s said the location operated as a Chinese restaurant for around 15 years before closing in 2020. Historically, it operated as a popular community pub known as Schofields and then The Trees.