'We do not need a McDonald's in our community'

Stirchley, known for its bustling high street of independent businesses, could be adding an American multinational fast food chain to its list of eateries.

Proposals for a new McDonald's, yet to be submitted, include a restaurant, parking spaces and drive-thru on vacant brownfield land in the Birmingham suburb.

But many in the ward, named as the best place to live in the Midlands in a Sunday Times guide, are not supportive of the plan with more than 1,000 signing a petition against it.

Residents and business owners said the lack of food chains in the community-driven area was what made it unique, while others pointed out there were other McDonald's sites within a two-mile radius.

"We do not need a multi national exploitative food outlet, Stirchley is about cooperatives, small scale independent outlets where our money can be spent locally and the wealth retained here where it’s needed!" one person said on social media.

Another said: "Stirchley has a thriving community of small, local businesses. They need to be protected and maintained. We have several McDonalds nearby if people want to ‘drive thru’."

If plans are approved it would create about 100 new jobs for the area, and would regenerate the site, bringing it into use for the community, according to the online consultation launched by the company.

McDonald's added that it would generate about £45,000 in business rates per year for Birmingham City Council, which could be used to fund local services.

But Stirchley United Working Men's Club, next door to the proposed development, just off Pershore Road, opposite the Aldi supermarket, said it was concerned the restaurant would kill the business.

"We’re a long established club, we’re doing okay, but we just think that that is going to spoil it," said Sue Austin, who is a member and part of its committee.

"The traffic is really really bad as it is, because that’s just a one-way stretch by the club, and that’s going to be even worse."

"We’re just concerned that our car park will be taken over by McDonald's."

The club's committee has been making moves to host daily activities, and encourage children and families to use the space more but feel the extra traffic would people off.

"We've worked our backsides off to get people into the club," Ms Austin said.

"That will have a massive, massive impact."

McDonald's said it would review all feedback before finalising and submitting an application to the city council.

The online consultation is ongoing until Tuesday 26 November, with an in-person event on Tuesday 19 November between 14:00 and 18:00 GMT at Stirchley Baths.

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