'It will ruin the town' - Musselburgh residents protest against McDonald's plans for new drive-through restaurant

Concerns over traffic and litter raised by residents

Nearly 1,000 people have signed a petition to block the construction of a new drive-through McDonald’s restaurant in Musselburgh.

Concerns over the impact on nearby schoolchildren and an increase in travel have been raised by campaigners who have labelled any potential approval of the plans as “inconceivable”.

McDonald’s said the plans, if approved by East Lothian Council, will see at least 65 new jobs created for local people, while the council said the proposals will be considered in line with relevant planning policies.

Residents are campaigning against plans for a new McDonald's in Musselburgh (Photo: Contributed)

Tesco already 'notorious for gridlock'

One local resident, Ranald Leask, said the plans fly in the face of the council’s new climate change strategy which prioritises local food growing and the promotion of ‘green networks’.

He said: “The past few years has seen a massive increase in traffic in Musselburgh, and the area around Tesco is already notorious for gridlock. 150 new flats are about to be built close-by, which will add thousands more vehicle journeys each day.

“For the council to allow a drive-through McDonald’s, at this the very worst site for traffic jams in Musselburgh, would be inconceivable.

“The council also has to follow its new climate change strategy. In other words, not strolling down the litter-strewn banks of the River Esk, choking on the toxic car fumes and being deafened by vehicle noise.

“There is already a McDonald’s less than 10 minutes drive away. The litter, traffic congestion and air pollution are clear for all to see. We don’t want the same disaster to befall Musselburgh.”

'I'll probably move'

Another resident, Bobby Pembleton, said he was worried about the potential consequences for children, including his daughter, given the new business could be built on a common route to the nearby Musselburgh Grammar school.

He said: “My daughter is only two now but she would walk right through the Tesco to get to Musselburgh Grammar.

“I already despise that she has to walk through a Tesco car park twice a day. If they build a McDonald’s there I’ll honestly probably move. I really feel like it’ll ruin the town”

Melanie Roccio, a member of the anti-litter group Love Musselburgh said a new restaurant would lead to more litter and pollution.

She said: “Love Musselburgh and its members are fighting to reduce litter in Musselburgh and McDonald’s items are already making their way onto our streets and beach from the Fort Kinnaird site.

“This would only increase if we were to have a site here too. Traffic congestion is another issue that would only get worse. East Lothian Council recently declared a climate emergency, letting these plans go ahead in the midst of this would be completely counterproductive.”

65 new jobs

A McDonald’s spokesperson said: “We have submitted a planning application for a new restaurant in Musselburgh which, if approved, will create at least 65 new jobs for local people.

“We are working closely with the local authority to ensure our proposals are acceptable and deal with any concerns raised during the consultation process.”

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “An application seeking planning permission for a drive-thru restaurant at the Tesco site was registered us on 17 February.

“Like any application, it will be considered in line with the relevant planning policies, before any recommendation/decision is made in due course.”

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