NEW BID FOR CITY DRIVE-THRU RESTAURANT

MCDONALD’S has launched a fresh bid for a drive-thru in Coventry.

It is the second application the fast-food giant has submitted to build on part of the existing car park at Asda on London Road, Whitley.

The first was withdrawn in May following concerns raised by residents which led to petitions totalling 337 signatures against the plans.

Revised proposals were taken to a consultation event in July, showing the scale reduced from two-storeys to one at the request of the council.

But formal submission of its second plan has included further changes which appear to have been made as a result of concerns raised by residents.

The initial plans said the drive-thru had the potential to be open 24 hours a day which sparked concern from residents over noise and potential anti-social behaviour.

While the new application states the restaurant would operate 24/7, it adds the site will open to the public for reduced hours of 6am until midnight.

Concerns had also previously been raised over pedestrian access and safety on the London Road - one of Coventry’s busiest roads.

There have been 13 injury collisions within the vicinity of the site between December 21 2013 and December 31 2018, data shows.

A controlled pedestrian crossing has now been proposed by McDonald’s on the London Road eastbound approach to the roundabout.

In a planning statement, McDonald’s said: “After consultation, the proposal includes additional pedestrian facilities and a reduction in the proposed opening hours, in line with comments received.

“The design of the building has been reviewed and changed, in line with officer comments.

“Sufficient parking has been provided at the restaurant with accessible parking located as close to the restaurant entrance as possible.

“The site represents an appropriate location for a drive-thru restaurant, which will be well placed to offer refreshments to passing customers and those in the surrounding area.”

Plans for the 351sqm site consist of a 108sqm dining area of 100 seats, a 30-space car park, and a drive-thru lane accessed via the car park.

Asda will lose 109 of its existing 477 car parking spaces as a result, but the current car park is said to be “excess to requirements and underused”.

Deliveries will be made during “quite trading periods” between the hours of 7am to midday and 2pm to 9pm, McDonald’s application states.

A public consultation is underway with a decision expected in 2020.

If approved, the site could open for 2021 and will create more than 65 jobs. There are already seven McDonald’s restaurants within 10km of the site.