Major traffic concerns have been raised by local businesses and Derbyshire County Council's highways department over the controversial planning application for a McDonald's in Glossop. 

Kingspan and Wickes, both located close to the site of the former Wren’s Nest public house which the fast-food giant wants to redevelop, have raised a number of objections to the scheme that will be determined by High Peak Borough Council. 

Under the proposals, open for public consultation until 4 April, the present buildings would be demolished and replaced by a restaurant with a drive-thru as well as parking for 32 vehicles. 

If approved, the new McDonald's is expected to create 65 new jobs - 30 full-time and 35 part-time roles.  

However, Derbyshire County Council - which is the Local Highway Authority - is objecting to the application on traffic management and safety grounds, and judge access to the site to be unacceptable from an operational point of view. 

That is a view shared by businesses located near the site, who fear if given the go-ahead the development could cause even more traffic problems and create further congestion.  

In the submission, Jo Lord, Property Director acting on behalf of Wickes Building Supplies Ltd, said the development goes against local and national planning policies. 

“The proposed development is considered to have a material and ‘severe’ impact on access to our property as well as the safe and convenient use of the wider public highway network.

“There are also significant concerns linked to pedestrian safety given the unsatisfactory access arrangements that generate highway congestion and movement conflicts.” 

While Ben Johnson, Kingspan Operations Manager, has also raised similar concerns on behalf of the firm on access as the area can already get congested. 

He said the traffic assessment submitted in support of the application doesn’t reflect the situation as the traffic surveys were carried out on two days for three hours only. 

However, Andrew Moseley Associates (AMA), responding on behalf of McDonald's, say the traffic assessment demonstrates that the proposed access arrangements are appropriate. 

They point out there is space for two vehicles to wait at the give-way line before the proposed McDonald’s access is blocked.  

Adding that the drive-thru would have two order points and capacity for 16 vehicles and the traffic assessment shows the maximum queue would be nine vehicles. 

Addressing concerns that HGV delivery vehicles will have difficulty accessing the site, AMA say that as with other sites, spaces will be coned off to provide space for delivery vehicles. 

The application had already divided opinion locally, with a petition against the proposals attracting more than 860 names. Hundreds of comments both for and against have also been made. 

To have your say before 4 April or to view the proposals, go to www.highpeak.gov.uk 

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