Isle Of Wight Councillors Unanimously Reject McDonald's Drive-Thru Plans For Cowes

Plans for a new multi-million-pound McDonald's drive-thru restaurant in Cowes have been unanimously rejected by Isle of Wight councillors.

The Isle of Wight Council's Planning Committee voted to refuse the application during its meeting on Tuesday evening (July 28), following a recommendation from planning officers.

Officers advised councillors to reject the scheme for land next to Three Gates Road, saying the application failed to demonstrate how it would prevent ill-health within the community.

The Planning Committee, made up of six Reform UK councillors, three independents, one Liberal Democrat and one Conservative, unanimously backed the recommendation.

The proposal attracted significant public interest, with the council receiving 186 objections and 138 letters of support.

Several petitions were also submitted opposing the development, including one signed by 361 people, another attracting 1,788 online signatures and a further appeal backed by 141 individuals.

Supporters of the plans said the restaurant would create jobs, provide greater choice for customers, offer affordable food for lower-income families, generate business rates for the council and feature a sustainable design.

Those against the scheme raised concerns over increased noise and disturbance, the impact of fast food on public health, harm to habitats and wildlife, light pollution, anti-social behaviour, odour, late-night activity, litter and the prospect of predominantly part-time, low-paid jobs.

More details from the meeting are expected to follow.