Haverhill councillors voice their concerns for proposed McDonald's in Phoenix Road

Littering and the size of advertising are among the concerns raised for a planned fast-food restaurant.

A reserved matters application for a McDonald's drive-through restaurant in Phoenix Road, Haverhill, was submitted to Braintree District Council in May, as part of the wider development of the area.

However, while Haverhill Town Council remains supportive of the application, some councillors have voiced issues.

Cllr Joe Mason, who represents Haverhill North and founder of Keep Haverhill Tidy, said: "I am delighted that companies such as McDonald's are choosing to invest in Haverhill, and this planning application will likely be a popular addition to the town offering additional choice and employment.

"I do not think this is the best location for a drive-through, potentially causing problems for nearby residents. I do have concerns about the increased littering that can result from this sort of development.

"If this development goes ahead I am keen that McDonald's take an active and responsible role in monitoring the surrounding area to ensure that any waste does not become an additional littering issue for the town."

Meanwhile, Cllr John Burns said while he was in favour of the application at a planning meeting last Tuesday, he did have concerns regarding the size of the golden arches sign outside of the restaurant.

The sign, which displays the McDonald's logo, is a customary part of the chain's drive through-restaurants. However, if approved, the pole will be 12-metres high.

Cllr Burns said: "I have said all along I don't have a problem with McDonald's the business. I just think with the access, it was designed for five HGVs a day going to a warehouse, and they are now predicting 100 cars an hour going into this place at peak times."

The reserved matter application is accompanied by details for the drive-through layout and design of the golden arches sign.

Speaking about the totem pole size, Cllr Burns said: "They have ignored the fact that it is going to dominate the street scene and dominate from everywhere in Haverhill as well.

"It is sitting on top of a high bit of land. The same thing was done at Newmarket. I think that was also originally 15 metres, but they got it cut down to five."

An alternative suggestion proposed was to put the sign closer to the bypass in order to make customers aware of where the restaurant is earlier.

Concerns regarding traffic and the access were also raised.

Cllr Burns highlighted that a traffic survey conducted in Bumpstead Road, next to the site, was completed at a time when there were traffic lights on the road.

"I was a bit concerned about that," he added.

"Of course there is full support for it from a customer point of view, I am just very worried for the potential for an accident.

"Considering we have top speeds of up to 70 or 80mph on that road (the bypass) at times, it only needs somebody to come out of McDonald's when somebody is doing even 40 or 50 and get side-swiped."

A spokesperson for Braintree District Council said they will consult the relevant highways authorities on any concerns that are raised.

“We are currently considering a planning application seeking approval for access, appearance, layout and landscaping for a drive-thru restaurant development at Haverhill Business Park which was given outline planning permission in 2016," a statement said.

“Officers will consider all representations that have been received, including letters from Haverhill Town Council. In respect of any highway issues raised, the Council will consult with the relevant highway authorities."