McDonald's wants late night opening hours at new site

McDonald's has applied for permission to serve food and drink until midnight every day at what could soon be its third site in a Gloucestershire town.

The fast food chain plans to open a new restaurant at the site of the former TGI Friday's on Gloucester Road in Cheltenham.

The firm has asked for permission to provide food and drink from 11pm to midnight every day of the week, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A petition against the new restaurant has been signed by 15 schools and a college amid concerns over childhood obesity.

The chain already has two other locations in Cheltenham - on the High Street and an out-of-town drive-through at the Kingsditch Retail Park.

Proposals for the new site have been met with opposition from school leaders and residents.

In February, Steve Jefferies, head teacher at Bournside School, said he and other head teachers have "significant concerns regarding the impact this development will have on the local community".

He said the new restaurant's proximity to a number of schools could have a detrimental impact on pupils' wellbeing.

There have also been concerns over the road safety implications of the new site.

Earlier this year, a Cheltenham Borough Councillor called on Gloucestershire County Council to consider lowering the speed limit through the "tightly packed" residential area.

The county council said at the time that it would consider calls for a lower speed limit and new pedestrian crossings close to where the new restaurant would be.

Cheltenham Borough Council has approved a planning application for the change of use on the site, but is still considering other applications for work to be carried out on the building.

McDonald's said the new restaurant would bring "significant investment and 120 jobs" to Cheltenham.

"We strive to be a good neighbour in the communities in which we operate," a spokesperson said in February.

People have until May 1 to comment on the proposals on the Cheltenham Borough Council website.

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