We live in shadow of famous Dover tourist attraction… McDonald’s wants to block our view with eyesore drive-thru
LOCALS fear the view of a famous tourist attraction will be blocked after McDonald’s unveiled plans to build a drive-thru.
Controversial plans for a new McDonald’s drive-thru in Dover have sparked uproar amongst residents with almost 150 objections.
Many locals fear the site will spoil the view of the iconic Dover Castle which draws hundreds of tourists each year.
The fast-food giant plans to build its new 24-hour restaurant on the vacant Dover Leisure Centre site close to the port.
The 12th-century castle sits high on a clifftop and has resisted countless sieges during medieval times.
However, many fear their castle won’t survive the new plans with some suggesting that it will leave a bad impression on tourists using the A20.
This week, a group of friends called, Friends of Castle Conservation Area Dover, launched a campaign against the proposal.
To think they can just plonk something in such a sensitive area
Louis Melville
They argue that the new restaurant does not align with the Dover Castle conservation area – which does not include the McDonald’s plot.
Louis Melville, a group member, does not understand why they want to build it right underneath the castle.
The castle is the first thing a tourist sees when they arrive from Dover Port but that could be ruined if they also see a McDonold’s blocking the view.
He added: “It just bemuses me that they have the affront to think they can just plonk something in such a sensitive area.”
Although the site is outside the conservation area, it does sit next to a ruined church which some residents claim is “sacred”.
Adeline Reidy said the “nearby Castle Street” has remained important but that would diminish if McDonald’s is built.
Resident David Allen also fears the plans will “detract from the views of the castle” and have a detrimental “impact on the local environment”.
He said: “[McDonald’s needs to] find another site in Dover where traffic is more controlled and will have less impact on both the environment and local residents.”
Those living close to where McDonald’s wants to build have raised concerns about the effects the drive-thru will have on traffic in the area.
TRAFFIC CONCERNS
Mr Melville, who lives 20 metres from the site, said traffic on “Townwall Street” can be terrible but adding a fast-food drive-thru would make it worse.
“So, to think of traffic pulling in, pulling out and interrupting that traffic flow is absolutely insane,” he added.
National Highways have raised concerns over the scheme and has recommended that no decision be made until July 22.
However, the council can refuse the application if they wish before that date.
The delay is for McDoanld’s to provide more information on how traffic will be managed.
It isn’t possible to determine whether the drive-thru would harm road safety or efficiency, said an officer for the traffic authority.
Despite the concerns, some residents are thrilled at the prospect of another restaurant in the area.
Dover local, Michael Cox believes the new McDonald’s will create more jobs and sees no harm in building on a site, “that is just standing empty”.
If approved, the project will include 55 spaces – including 10 for electric car charging – and will create 120 jobs.
In planning documents submitted to the council, bosses say the move “represents a multimillion-pound investment by a national operator in Dover”.
In a statement, a McDonald’s spokeswoman added: “We are excited about the opportunity to open a new restaurant in Dover and look forward to continuing our discussions with the council and local residents to address any concerns.”
The Sun has approached McDonald’s and Dover Castle for comment.