Plans for a new McDonald’s restaurant at the former Travelodge site in Dunkirk, Kent, are poised for a second approval by the Swale Borough Council. This comes despite ongoing concerns regarding increased traffic congestion in the area.
Background of the McDonald’s Proposal
The fast-food chain first submitted its proposal in early 2023, targeting a location near the A2 London-bound Gate Services between Faversham and Canterbury. The initial approval by the council occurred in May, but a required Section 106 agreement was not completed, thus hindering the final authorization.
Traffic Concerns and Assessments
Following the preliminary approval, the council received a late traffic report from Bruce Bamber, a consultant from Railton TPC, which raised questions about the possible traffic impact of the drive-thru. The report claimed that the opening of the restaurant could potentially generate a significant amount of new traffic in the vicinity of the A2.
Details of the Traffic Report
- The consultant argued that up to 79% of trips on Fridays and 68% on Saturdays could be new to the current road network.
- McDonald’s initially estimated that a maximum of 29% of trips would be new traffic.
- No evidence was provided to support the claims of increased traffic by Mr. Bamber.
The findings led to further scrutiny, with the council opting to re-evaluate the proposal based on the new information. Swale Borough Council stated it was essential for the planning committee to reassess the application.
Response from McDonald’s and Transportation Authorities
McDonald’s representatives responded to the traffic report by asserting the validity of previous assessments by National Highways and Kent County Council, asserting that diverging traffic would not significantly increase. Additionally, KCC representatives indicated that potential diversions would not justify objections to the planning application.
Upcoming Planning Committee Meeting
A planning committee meeting is scheduled for December 4, where the proposal will be revisited. It has been recommended for approval, maintaining the same conditions previously agreed upon in May. In the last vote, 10 members supported the proposal while 4 were opposed.
Project Details and Community Impact
If approved, the McDonald’s restaurant will include a drive-thru and capacity for 79 diners, complementing a neighboring Costa drive-thru that opened last year. The project is projected to create 30 full-time and 90 part-time jobs, as McDonald’s aims to fulfill a longstanding demand for dining options in the region.
Additional Infrastructure
- A total of 37 parking spaces will be available.
- Four spaces will be designated for electric vehicle charging.
- Two disability bays and four motorcycle parking spots will also be included.
While some community members express skepticism about the necessity of a McDonald’s in the area, the company maintains it is addressing a critical need for local food services.
