A disruptive bid to open a fifth McDonald’s in Kent County has sparked concerns that too many people in the area are already obese.
The fast food chain has revealed plans to launch another of its restaurants in Thanet, where almost 70% of people are classed as overweight or worse.
If built on wasteland in Manston Road, Ramsgate, the new branch would be within five miles of five other McDonald’s sites.
A public consultation revealed that 60% of people in the area are against the plans, with many raising concerns about the impact on public health and saying the area “doesn’t need any more unhealthy junk food outlets”.
The Office for Health Improvement and Differences (OHID) says tackling obesity – classified as a BMI over 30 – is one of England’s biggest long-term challenges.
Official figures show that 28.8% of adults in Thanet are obese, with the figure rising to 69.7% when those presumed to be overweight are included – among the highest in the South East.
Residents reacting to a bid for a new drive-thru in Ramsgate fear the numbers will rise further with the opening of more fast food outlets.
One resident said: “There are already too many McDonald’s in Thanet! Not counting the one in Sandwich.
“How does it encourage local food choices? All options are junk food! High in calories and we already have a large obese population! Give us something healthy!”
Another added: “McDonald’s seems to be aimed at low income or young people and is not generally seen as healthy food. We need fewer, not more.”
Ramsgate town center councilor and curry house owner Raushan Ara (Lab) agrees there are potential health problems, saying fast food is “not good for anyone”.
“The fewer fast food places – including McDonald’s – we have, the better in my opinion,” she said.
“It’s up to the individuals, but it’s not good to have so many in a small space.”
The new 73-seat restaurant is to be built on a site next to the town’s Tesco supermarket, just a few miles from McDonald’s branches in Margate, Minster, Broadstairs – which has two – and Sandwich in neighboring Dover.
The density of restaurants operated by the fast food giant in the area was the biggest cause of concern for 244 people who responded to a consultation launched by the chain ahead of submitting its plans to Thanet District Council.
“The last thing Thanet needs is another McDonalds restaurant,” said one resident.
“The Manston area also already looks set to suffer from overdevelopment. Please do more for the local area by not opening another restaurant!”
Another commented: “We don’t need a McDonald’s in this area. We have five McDonald’s within 10 minutes in and around Thanet.’
Residents have also expressed concerns that the restaurant will increase traffic and litter in the area, with a proposal to create a new access road using part of the Tesco car park.
But many supported the more than 120 new jobs the drive-thru would create.
One said: “I believe this will be of great benefit to the local area and will create much needed jobs! Plus it’s across the street from me and I love your Sausage and Egg McMuffins!”
McDonald’s published the consultation responses in its planning application and attempted to address each area of concern.
Based on concerns about the impact on human health, the firm says it “recognizes the importance of public health and shares a common goal to reduce childhood obesity”.
He adds: “54 per cent of our menu is now classified as high fat, salt or sugar free and 89 per cent of our core menu items are under 500 calories.”
As for traffic concerns, the firm says its proposed drive-through has been “carefully designed to accommodate up to 29 cars to avoid queues at the adjacent Tesco car park, while three litter collections a day would be carried out to keep the area clear.” .
The firm adds: “The proposed development represents a multi-million pound investment creating jobs in both the construction and operational phases, resulting in many associated economic benefits for the local area.
“The location is a suitable location for a drive-thru restaurant that will be well positioned to offer refreshments to customers passing by and those in the vicinity.
“The proposals provide an opportunity for McDonald’s to fulfill a long-standing requirement for a restaurant to serve this catchment area, meet customer demand and introduce additional choice to the market.”
The site, which was previously used as a car park, has been empty for several years and is part of a larger site which the district council has earmarked for 120 homes.
But McDonald’s says the development site in question is not needed to achieve a housing allotment and believes it is “an ideal location for a new restaurant that will serve and support residents”.
McDonald’s recently unveiled proposals for new sites in Dover, Swanley, Folkestone Services and between Faversham and Canterbury.
Planning decisions are expected to be made later this year.