A group of Bristol residents filed a petition to stop McDonald's of settling in Fishponds Road.
In August, a letter sent on behalf of McDonald's said they're planning to build in the area a two-story drive thru, with a parking area for 35 cars. The letter was sent by the developer by Planware, a planning consultant firm. They said that the establishment will provide jobs for 65 local individuals and they understand the workings of coordinating with the local community.
The letter is met with apprehension as about 100 Fishponds and Eastville residents met on Saturday afternoon to discuss the burger chain's plans. Majority of the residents were once revealed when the plans to build a supermarket in the location didn't push through.
They are concerned that the restaurant can cause traffic due to its drive thru feature. There's already an existing problem and the establishment can worsen the issue. Besides the traffic, the residents are also concerned with the litter and noise the restaurant will produce.
MP for Bristol East Kerry McCarthy supports the notion of the residents. She said that since the residents are already aware of the traffic problems in the area, they know that building a McDonald's restaurant in Fishponds Road can worsen the dilemma.
An Eastville resident Becky Rowe said, "I commute in and out of Bristol every day and that road is already a bit of a nightmare. I think with cars trying to pull in and out of the restaurant, especially at rush hour, it will cause an even bigger traffic problem."
Clare Fowle, an Eastville resident, created an online petition to stop McDonald's. It has gathered more than 780 signatures. There's already a total of 140 individual objections against the development plans.
"Bristol City Council say that they are committed to keep Bristol Moving, reduce congestion and creating civilized spaces and people friendly streets with an emphasis in safety for children. This proposal is at odds with that vision," the petition stated.
The residents have until Wednesday to oppose the proposal before the Bristol City Council's planning authority makes a decision in the coming months.
