News / Society
Fishponds vs McDonald’s as inquiry opens
McDonald’s are set to try and overturn Bristol City Council’s decision to reject plans for a new restaurant on Fishponds Road.
The original plans for a two story 160 seat drive through on the site of The Old Tile Factory were refused in February 2015 because of congestion fears.
The company launched a public appeal which opens at the M Shed later and is expected to last for up to four days.
is needed now More than ever
More than 1,700 people signed a petition in opposition to the plans and hundreds more handed in written objections to the council.
Chair of NoMacInF community campaign group Mike Jempson said they are “determined that the voices of the 495 people who objected on health, nutrition and pollution grounds and the 1,667 people who signed a petition against the McDonalds are heard at the inquiry.”
“We have been meeting regularly to prepare our case,” says Jempson. “We are drowning in paperwork, but it is great to see the effort that people have put in without the benefit of professional support.”
McDonald’s claims the restaurant would bring 65 new jobs to the area.
Campaigners have put forward alternative plans to create an indoor market in the building providing space for 30-40 stalls for local traders.
Read more: Rising up and power to the people
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