Why a planned McDonald’s drive-thru in Lancashire was rejected

The application, submitted by McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd, sought permission to build a drive-thru restaurant with parking, access and landscaping on land off Electric Drive, near junction 35 of the M6.

Despite attracting strong public backing, planners rejected the scheme on three key grounds, including its out-of-centre location, impact on employment land and concerns over children’s health.

The proposed design of the Carnforth drive-thru (Image: Lancaster City Council)

Strong public response

The proposal generated significant interest, with 184 letters of support and 33 objections submitted as part of the consultation.

Supporters argued the development would boost the local economy, create jobs and improve facilities for residents and travellers.

One resident said: "I support the application because it would improve the retail offering of Carnforth, and bring well-paid, stable jobs to the area at a time they are needed most.

"I support this application because of the creation of up to 120 new jobs in the area.

"Another reason I support it is because it will help increase the choice of food in the area and many people enjoy McDonald's."

Another added that the site would be useful for people passing through the area: "McDonald’s is always a 'go to' stop-off for us when travelling… let’s have this availability for both travellers passing through and local residents alike."

Supporters also pointed to potential economic benefits, including business rates contributions to the council.

However, some comments were more critical in tone, with one backing the scheme saying rejecting it would show councils were "out of date and narrow-minded".

The proposed site boundary (Image: Lancaster City Council)

Concerns over health and location

The council said the proposal failed to meet the "town centre first" planning policy, warning it could harm the vitality of nearby centres.

In its refusal notice, it said the applicant had not demonstrated there were no more suitable sites closer to Carnforth town centre.

It also raised concerns about the loss of land earmarked for industrial and employment use, stating the site still had economic value and could support other types of development.

Another major factor was public health.

Lancashire County Council’s public health team objected, highlighting high levels of childhood obesity in the area and the site’s proximity to Carnforth High School.

Planning officers said the development would increase access to fast food for young people and "undermine national efforts to promote good health and prevent ill-health".

Objections from councils and residents

Local councils and representatives were among those opposing the scheme.

Carnforth Town Council raised concerns about traffic, safety and environmental impact, warning of congestion and disruption around nearby roads.

The proposal generated significant interest in Carnforth, with 184 letters of support and 33 objections

It also said the development was unsuitable for an employment area and could lead to issues such as litter, noise and anti-social behaviour.

Over Kellet Parish Council also objected, questioning traffic assumptions and warning the development could worsen road safety and congestion.

Meanwhile, two ward councillors highlighted planning policy conflicts, including the car-led design, potential environmental harm and questions over the claimed economic benefits.

Residents opposing the scheme echoed similar concerns.

One objector said: "There is a high school very close to the proposed development and the health of the local children is at huge risk from the siting of any fast food development near to the school."

They also warned it could lead to increased litter and traffic, adding: "McDonalds customers can easily drive another 4.3 miles… it is unnecessary."

The same resident suggested alternative uses, saying a gym or similar facility would better meet community needs.

Highways and technical responses

Despite concerns about traffic, Lancashire County Council’s highways team raised no objection, stating the development would not have a severe impact on road safety or the wider network.

National Highways also ultimately confirmed it had no objection, after earlier requests for further information on traffic modelling and safety were addressed.

Engineers likewise raised no objection on drainage and flood risk grounds, subject to conditions.

However, a number of technical issues were highlighted during the process, including drainage design, biodiversity impact and proximity to gas infrastructure, with some consultees initially lodging holding objections pending further detail.

What happens next

The decision means the application has been formally refused, although McDonald’s has the option to appeal within six months.

Planning officers encouraged the applicant to engage with the council before submitting any revised proposals in future.

The case highlights the complex balance between economic development and health, environmental and planning policy considerations — particularly as councils face increasing pressure to tackle issues such as childhood obesity while supporting local growth.

For now, however, the proposed drive-thru restaurant at Electric Drive has been turned down, despite strong public backing.