A NEW McDonald’s restaurant in South Wales has been approved despite concerns over traffic and congestion in the area.
An application for a new McDonald’s drive through in the western corner of the Tesco Extra car park in Gellihirion Industrial Estate in Upper Boat near Pontypridd was approved by Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council planning committee on Thursday, April 16.
There were 11 objections to the proposals including on traffic grounds, with specific reference made to the link road from the A470 to Tesco which is seen by objectors as being unable to cope with the current volume of traffic.
Concerns were also raised about the difficulty of residents at Pon Pentre Park to exit the site by turning right.
Another objection was on the issue of health, adding: “Objectors feel that there is an over-abundance of fast-food options in the area which may contribute to obesity and poor health.”
On rubbish and vermin, there was concern about litter being generated by the drive thru, especially in areas outside the control of the restaurant such as the pathway between Tesco car park and Dynea Road.
There has also been concerns raised about an existing vermin problem in the area which objectors feel would be exasperated by the proposals.
They also raised the issue of necessity as objectors feel that there is already alternative provision close to the area with specific reference made to an existing McDonald’s.
The objectors mentioned insufficient pedestrian infrastructure with concerns raised regarding the increase in traffic and the impact this would have on “already poor” pedestrian infrastructure in the area.
On the car park, objectors have raised concern regarding a reduction in car parking at Tesco.
In terms of pollution, concerns have been raised regarding, odour, air, noise and light pollution as well as specific concern related to noise during construction.
Local councillor Cathy Lisles said the application had generated “significant local concern” mostly about traffic, congestion, parking, late night noise, litter and anti-social behaviour.
She said one issue relating to the safe operation of the business had been overlooked and she asked for the committee to defer the application for a site visit and that the transport assessment is recalculated and resubmitted as well as for the applicant to review their economic operator statement.
Cllr Lisles said the critical issue that had been overlooked was that vehicles cannot turn right out of Midway retail park to access the Tesco site and she said that the economic operator statement makes clear that Midway is central to the commercial viability of this proposal.
But she said residents regularly witness drivers attempting prohibited or unsafe manoeuvres.
She added: “The applicant’s case relies on Midway generated custom which cannot safely or legally access the site as assumed.”
Cllr Lisles also raised “serious concerns” about the transport assessment’s accuracy, the quality of the data used and key omissions.
To mitigate traffic impacts during peak periods, the council’s highways department has recommended that the developer provide a financial contribution of £15,000 to fund necessary off-site improvements.
The contribution would be for the installation of an additional queue loop on the approach from the retail park/Tesco access road, to assist with queue management during peak times, alongside an evaluation of three junctions including optimising signal linking to improve overall operation.
Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) planning officers in recommending planning committee approve the application said: “The application is considered to comply with the relevant policies of the Local Development Plan in respect of its visual impact, the impact it has upon the amenity and privacy of the neighbouring residential properties and highways safety.
“It is also considered that the proposed development would be in keeping with the wider character of the Gellihirion Industrial Estate and neighbouring commercial land uses.
“Finally, the application would bring economic benefits to the area through the creation of a number of jobs.”
It will have a footprint of 310sqm in area and a dining area with about 60 covers as well as customer toilets, a kitchen, and a staff office.
Access to the site will be from the southern perimeter of the existing Tesco Extra car park with the drive‑thru lane wrapping around the southern, western, and northern parts of the restaurant.
There will be a car park providing 33 spaces including two accessible bays, one accessible electric vehicle bay, two electric vehicle bays and two grill bays along with four motorcycle spaces.
Cycle parking will comprise six spaces for staff and two spaces within a staff cycle locker.
An electric vehicle substation will be in the south‑western part of the car park.
New pedestrian footpaths will be created within the site connecting to the existing pedestrian route at the western corner with fencing and access improvements also proposed.
A separate application was also approved for advertisement consent for various signs at the site.
