Petition over plans for fourth McDonald's in town

Residents have started a petition in opposition to plans to build a fourth McDonald's in a town.

The fast food chain hope to open the new restaurant at the former site of the O'Bridge pub in Massingham Park in Taunton, Somerset.

Luke Egleton, who lives nearby, started a petition for the council to consider his neighbourhood in the plans, saying he is worried about anti-social behaviour.

McDonald's said in a statement it would bring "significant investment", 120 new jobs and "strive to be a good neighbour".

"We look forward to continuing to work with the local community and stakeholders to address any concerns they have," it added.

Egleton said while the site used to be a pub, it had a "community aspect".

"Whereas McDonald's is just a high footfall, in you go, eat your food, and go," he said.

"The petition is not asking the McDonald's not to be built, it's just asking for the council to consider local residents, for example adding a new access and litter picking," he added.

Somerset Council said it would not comment on the live planning application, which was submitted in March.

A public consultation on the plans is open until 17 April, with a decision expected by 21 May.

Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, said McDonald's was expanding across the UK, with its success down to it understanding its customers.

"It did have a difficult period of time following the pandemic but it picked itself up," Hewson said.

"We heard a lot about unemployment rising, particularly difficult for young people get a first job, and that's what McDonald's excels at," Hewson added.

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