McDonalds could open in village despite concerns

McDonalds could be set to open a new restaurant in a Surrey village despite hundreds of objections from residents.

Planning officers from Elmbridge Borough Council have recommended that a new restaurant in the former Loch Fyne in Portsmouth Road, Cobham be approved at a meeting on 24 April.

Opponents to the restaurant say it will be "detrimental to the health of Cobham" and is too close to nearby schools and playgrounds.

But a report from planning officers found that there was no evidence to suggest the arrival of the fast food chain would have a negative effect on health in neighbouring areas.

Those against the site have claimed the new branch will "encourage children to form unhealthy habits", "exploit young people" who will eat at McDonald's and add to the country's obesity crisis.

Concerns were also raised that two parks, in Wyndham Avenue and Hamilton Avenue, are just a four minute walk away from site while schools are only a seven minute walk away, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Planning officers said the nearest schools are not within a 400m radius walking distance to the site. The intervening A3 would be a "man-made barrier" to the fast food chain, officers reported, and the proposed restaurant is not on the main school route to Cobham Free School so children would be walking the opposite way.

Cobham residents launched a petition in May 2024 against the plans to open a new restaurant and takeaway. The petition, which has garnered over 34,000 signatures, calls for the site to be turned into a community hub instead.

Concerns raised include increased traffic, litter, and potential impacts on the area's health and well-being.

According to the chain, the new restaurant would include both indoor and outdoor seating with space for 60 diners, 30 cars parking bays, two of which would be accessible and three with EV charging spaces. The American fast food branch is hoping to be open every day from 06:00 to 23:00.

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