New twist in row over Sunderland McDonald's premises as food giant launches fightback

The appeal has been lodged against Sunderland City Council’s recent decision to refuse retrospective plans for the takeaway giant’s premises at the ex-Simply Local foodstore, off North Moor Road.

Previous planning documents said “McDonald’s delivery kitchen units” are not open to the public and aim to “support home deliveries” by relieving pressure on the adjacent drive-thru restaurant.

The delivery kitchen had operated without planning permission for more than two years and a retrospective plan was submitted following a request from the council.

A planning statement submitted on behalf of McDonald’s said any “forced closure” would lead to job losses as well as causing parking and access issues as the “delivery kitchen function” transfers to the adjacent drive-thru restaurant.

The council refused the retrospective application in March following an objection from the council’s public health team.

It was argued that the delivery kitchen model would “dramatically increase the availability and ease of access to unhealthy food” in Sunderland as well as clashing with council efforts to “promote and facilitate healthier lifestyles amongst the city’s population” which displays “high levels of obesity and being overweight”.

A council spokesperson confirmed there was “limited” planning case law around standalone delivery kitchens and that the local planning authority “wanted to be sure of its position that planning permission was required” before requesting an application from McDonald’s.

Following the planning refusal, an enforcement notice was served requiring the delivery kitchen use to “cease within six months”.

Appeals have now been lodged against the planning refusal and enforcement notice and a planning inspector appointed by the Secretary of State will rule on the matter.

The McDonald’s “statement of case” against the enforcement notice notes matters raised “do not constitute a breach of planning control” and that it does not believe planning permission is required.

The council previously confirmed enforcement notice requirements are “paused” if a valid appeal is lodged until the outcoming is known.

Appeal updates will be published on the Planning Inspectorate’s website once decisions have been made.