A multi-million-pound McDonald’s scheme is up for a decision next week and Isle of Wight planners aren’t ‘Lovin’ it’.
The proposal for a new restaurant with a drive thru next to Three Gates Road in Cowes fails to show how it would prevent ill-health in the community, according to a planning committee report.
Other Island restaurants
However, new McDonald’s restaurants are going ahead in Lake and at the new Newport Retail Park, and existing restaurants have been in operation for years in Ryde, near Tesco Extra, and Newport town centre.
Reasons for refusal
The Cowes application, which includes car parking, landscaping and customer order displays, has been recommended for refusal based on the site being within walking distance of a school and other facilities where children may gather.
Officers have also cited an ‘adverse’ impact on the character and appearance of the area, insufficient information on ecology and biodiversity net gain, and the lack of a legal agreement to secure a contribution towards Rights of Way.
McDonald’s agent, Planware, previously said the proposals would allow McDonald’s to ‘meet customer demand’ and introduce extra market choice.
The fast-food giant’s agent said 120 jobs for the community will be provided if the development is approved.
Public reaction
County Hall has received 186 representations from members of the public objecting to the plans and 138 letters in support.
There have also been several petitions opposing the McDonald’s, with one signed by 361 people, another with 1,788 digital signatures and a further appeal signed by 141 individuals.
Arguments for and against
Arguments in favour of the scheme include job creation, greater choice of convenience food, the restaurant being cheap for families on low income, business rates revenue and the project’s ‘sustainable design’.
Increased noise and disturbance, health concerns over fast food, harm to habitats and wildlife, light pollution, anti-social behaviour, odour, late-night activity, litter, and jobs being part-time and low paid are among points raised by critics.
What the report says
The committee report says,
“Due to the location and based on the information provided with the application, the proposal has failed to demonstrate that the use would enable and support healthy lives or promote good health and prevent ill-health.
“It would also fail to reduce health inequalities between the most and least deprived communities, including access to healthier food.
“The proposed 2.4m-high close boarded fence boundary treatment along the northern boundary and cramped appearance of the site would result in a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area and street scene.”
Planners also said the proposal is lacking information to adequately show there are no suitable, available or viable sites which could accommodate the development within or on the edge of the town centre.
Councillors on the planning committee will consider application 25/01634/FUL on Tuesday 28th July 2026.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
