SIGNAGE for a new McDonald’s restaurant site in Lichfield has been given the green light.
The drive-thru development off Eastern Avenue had previously been rejected in 2024, but was allowed on appeal by the Planning Inspector in November last year.
Now the installation of a number of new signs have been given the green light, along with painted line and parking bay signage at the former Co-op headquarters.
The controversial development had initially been refused by Lichfield District Council over concerns about the impact on local residents and the additional traffic it would generate.
But the Planning Inspector said the scheme was acceptable:
“While some noise from customers socialising around the building may occur, this would not inherently result in an unacceptable adverse impact on residential amenity.
“Concerns raised are more reflective of individual behaviour than the use itself. The proposal incorporates several design features to deter anti-social behaviour, including signage, extensive glazing for natural surveillance, security cameras and external lighting which can discourage inappropriate activity.
“The restricted opening hours further limits the potential for late-night disturbances.
“It is not apparent that the development would adversely affect the operation of emergency service vehicles or compromise highway safety. Accordingly, I am satisfied that the traffic generated by the proposal would not significantly disrupt the local highway network, nor would the use of the appeal site result in an unacceptable impact on highway safety.
“Concerns related to vehicle racing or cruising are behavioural in nature not inherently linked to the proposed use. Similarly, no substantiated technical evidence has been provided to demonstrate that the increase in traffic generated from this use would have a significant adverse effect on local air quality.”
Full details on the planning application for the signage at the site can be found on Lichfield District Council’s planning website.
