THE storm of controversy over plans to build a fast food restaurant next to a special needs academy has blown up again after they were recommended for approval.

The application is for a McDonalds drive-through to be built off Macon Way, Crewe, next door to the Cheshire Sports Academy for disabled children.

The issue is to be discussed at a meeting of Crewe and Nantwich Planning Committee next Thursday but council officers have recommended councillors to pass the plans.

And Ian Chalmers, Co-Director at the academy, is fuming about the idea of placing a McDonalds next to an institute such as the academy.

"I have checked with boroughs across the country and I cannot understand why they are recommending the McDonalds to be built when there is no precedent," Mr Chalmers said.

"If McDonalds had planned to build next to Springfield School for example or indeed any school people would see it as intolerable," he added.

"To put a McDonalds next to an award winning centre is really a kick in the teeth for us, in fact it is quite unbelievable that education is going to suffer."

Mr Chalmers also raised the point that McDonalds has to demonstrate that the location is the best site with regards to sustainability and proximity to the town and he says the proposed new development at Eaton Street, Crewe, might be a better alternative.

If approval were to go ahead at the meeting conditions for the proposal would include ensuring that McDonalds provided a pedestrian crossing and restricted the opening hours to between 7am and 11pm.

The company would also be required to landscape the area, provide refuse bins and provide a scheme of noise control.

Andrew Dobson, Planning Officer with the borough council, maintained the traffic issue was not sufficient to warrant refusal.

"While local residents are important to consult, if the council is taken to appeal I have to have expert advice and the residents cannot give me that," he said.

"McDonalds want to be extremely good neighbours because it is not in their interests not to be," he added.

Local councillor, Peter Kent, is also opposed to the McDonalds and added: "It is important that the committee look at the application on its merits, or de-merits."

...and car

dealer may

net £1.5m

IT was revealed this week that LC Charles could make up to £1.5 million on the land it owns at Macon Way.

This is because only a third is to be sold to McDonalds for £500,000 leaving two thirds which, if sold at the same price, could net £1million.

This is after LC Charles originally bought the land for £227,000 in 1994 from Cheshire County Council but the removal of a covenant has dramatically altered its value.

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