MP says ‘local community benefit’ must be key to proposed McDonald's development in Bingley

Anna Dixon MP for Shipley, has expressed her commitment to ensuring that local concerns are “properly addressed” if planning permission is granted for a new McDonald's in her constituency. 

On Wednesday, members of Bradford Council’s Planning Panel will decide whether to approve the development of the fast-food restaurant on the site of the former Bingley Police Station and Magistrate’s Court on Bradford Road. 

Since the planning application to build a drive-through McDonald's at the town centre location was submitted earlier this year, there have been 482 objections to the plans, and 415 in support. 

A report by planning officers suggests that members approve the application. 

Representatives of McDonald's have stated that the 24-hour restaurant would create 120 jobs, with 70 of these positions being full-time. 

Objectors have raised concerns, including litter, traffic congestion and antisocial behaviour.  

Speaking ahead of the planning decision, Anna Dixon, the Labour MP for Bingley, said: “Since submitting the application, I have raised local people’s concerns regarding the proposed development directly with McDonald's. 

“I share many of the concerns local people have about noise, litter, parking, and the impact on public health, and appreciate why over 450 local residents have made their objections known. 

“I have advocated strongly for residents’ interests in Bingley and will continue to urge McDonald's, if permission is granted, to take all necessary steps to properly address these issues. I expect McDonald's to abide by any planning conditions and go further if necessary to ensure regular litter picking in a wide area around the site, sufficient parking for customers to avoid congestion in neighbouring streets, and to ensure their customers are not responsible for any increase in traffic congestion or noise in the immediate vicinity. 

“I want to be clear that I do recognise the potential community benefits of this development. The boost to local jobs and the Bingley economy could be positive for the area. It is vital the jobs created provide fair pay and conditions for local people and that McDonald's contributes to community projects that will benefit our young people. 

“If permission is given, I can assure constituents that I will be working closely with Bradford Council and McDonald's to ensure that the benefit to the local community is at the forefront of every stage of the development.”