A campaign to oppose a McDonald’s ‘drive thru’ has been gathering momentum in Cowes.
The group titled, No To Cowes McDonald’s, has launched an online petition opposing the plans for a new fast food takeaway restaurant on Three Gates Road, Cowes and a Facebook Page has been created to gain support on social media.
Plans confirmed
Although a formal planning application has not yet been published on the council’s planning register, a member of the campaign group who lives opposite the site says they’ve had confirmation of the plans from McDonald’s.
In addition, OnTheWight has seen a response from McDonald’s to the Isle of Wight West MP’s office where they confirm plans for drive-thru restaurants in Cowes (not specifically on Three Gates Road) and Lake (as reported in May 2025).
Earmarked for housing
A campaign member said the site currently has planning permission for six new eco homes (23/00644/FUL); is directly opposite locally listed Greens Cottages, built in 1850; and less than 325 meters from a local primary school.
McDonald’s: Meaningful employment and community support
McDonald’s say that each of the new restaurants planned for the Island will bring up to 120 full and part-time jobs.
They also say that their teams conduct three litter picks a day, 150 meters around the restaurant – collecting all litter, not just McDonald’s branded packaging.
They add,
“We are confident that our new sites on the Isle of Wight will bring meaningful employment and community support to the area. We look forward to closely working with local stakeholders to ensure that our presence is a positive one.”
Brownfield site earmarked for development
The campaign group also point out that further east on the same road, on land accessed via the road between Aldi and Esplanade, there is already permission for commercial development (P/01589/09).
You can find out more by visiting the campaign’s online petition or Facebook Page.
Article edit
11.15am 4th Jun 2025 – Aldi plans added
2.15pm 4th Jun 2025 – 4th para amended to make clear McD letter to RQ’s office was in relation to Cowes, not specifically TGR
