Comments invited again on bid for new Calderdale McDonald's

An application from the fast food giant to build a drive-thru and restaurant on land off Halifax Road in Shelf, next to the existing Esso garage, was submitted in November 2024.

Since then, some more information has been provided and some revisions have been made.

Now the application is back at the consultation stage, and people have until June 18 to have their say before the application is decided by Calderdale Council.

McDonald’s says, if approved, the new premises would create 90 new jobs.

The most recent comment from the council’s highways team says when deliveries to the site are permitted still needs to be addressed by the applicant.

The comment says this should be based on survey data which does not appear to have been submitted so far.

"The applicant’s proposed time at which deliveries are not permitted is only a very short period over Saturday lunchtime, however there are

likely to be other days/times which could also be very busy, and there are associated concerns that vehicles could back up onto the highway if an HGV attempts to service when there are many vehicles and pedestrians present at the site," says the comment.

The highways team has also asked for a condition be imposed to limit the size of the largest vehicle able to service the site, and requested a contribution of £65,000 be secured to contribute towards the improvement of Stone Chair Roundabout.

To date, 212 public comments have been received about the application, including 85 objections and 126 in support.

The objectors include several former members of Calderdale Council’s cabinet, who raise worries the new branch could contribute to childhood obesity.

Councillor Tim Swift, former cabinet member for Public Health, says he supports other objections to the plans he says have come from directors of public health for Calderdale and Bradford, Debs Harkins and Rose Dunlop.

"Together the objections clearly set out the concerns over levels of obesity; the risks form increased availability of food which is high in fat, salt and sugar; and the specific risks from the location of this application close to a primary school but also at a bus stop extensively used by pupils attending a number of secondary schools,” he said.

McDonald’s has tried to address these concerns in a briefing note to the council.

In it, the firm argues: “McDonald’s supports the promotion of healthier lifestyles and tackling obesity, and is committed to giving their customers a range of options and supporting them to better understand the choices they make.”

It also says: “Their approach is very different from that of other hot food takeaway operators who do not operate such a wide-ranging menu or provide customers with information on nutrition and calories to help customers make an informed choice.”

Among the most recent public comments is one who says a new McDonald’s would be “somewhere for people who only have short lunch breaks to go when they need something quick to eat”.

The comment adds: “It will also bring more people through Shelf with the possibility of them then seeing all the other businesses that Shelf has to offer.”