McDonalds Public Inquiry

I sat at the Public Inquiry dealing with the McDonalds take away planning application at Tingley for 4 days last week. We represented local residents as a Rule 6 Party which gives us the right to ask awkward questions of McDonald’s experts on Planning/Highways/Noise Nuisance and Public Health.

McDonalds were represented by a Barrister who presented their case with reports from his experts who all confirmed that there was not a problem with placing a McDonald’s Drive-through Take-away at this residential location. It is clear to me that some of the reports from McDonald’s experts were questionable but – as they have deep pockets – they can make sure any reports they have fully support their scheme.

To give credit the Leeds City Council, they also had a barrister putting their reasons for refusal who did an excellent job and used different independent reports to show that McDonald’s case was flawed.

What struck me – as I tried to do my best Perry Mason impression – was the patience of local residents who turned up day after day to listen to some fairly dry and involved evidence – and just how difficult it is with some Developers for them to appreciate the impact their Development has on local communities.

We put the case about the negative impact on Public Health having a burger bar next to a high school along with Highways concerns and the impact on the quality of life of local residents. All was carefully recorded by the Planning Inspector who will make a decision on the application later in the year.

I hope with all the efforts put in by campaigners, the community and local councillors that the decision to refuse the Planning Application is upheld.

MBIs back Community Orchard Initiative



MBI Councillors supporting the community orchard initiative


This blog often focuses on the politics of an issue and promotes a political view many people find provocative which, on some occasions, promotes heated debate.

Last Thursday I was involved, along with my MBI colleagues, with a community initiative that has unanimous support from everyone and was welcome by many varying and different groups.

The initiative was the planting of a community orchard in Dartmouth Park – the idea of the Friends of Dartmouth Park Group with support from Churwell Environmental Action Volunteers, local schools - both primary and secondary - Parks Staff and Councillors from different parties.

The project looks at planting fruit trees which, when they flourish, will make free fruit available to local residents both young and old.

The weather was excellent and the overwhelmingly positive approach adopted by everyone was a pleasure to be part of. I hope we can see further development of such a scheme across Morley as - in these health conscious days - free fruit for the community is something we can all sign up to!