McDonalds has submitted another application for a "drive-thru" outlet in Stirchley. We objected the first time around, and Scott has just written and sent in an objection on behalf of Push Bikes to the new application. We recommend you send in your own objection, which could just say that you support Push Bikes' response (below). The deadline is Friday 25th September.

Drive through operations like this create a hostile road environment for pedestrians and cyclists. This location is particularly difficult given the A441 splits into a dual carriageway layout, making it fast, difficult to cross and generally hostile to navigate. The Transport Assessment identifies an existing accident problem on the A441 / Umberslade Roundabout that this McDonalds Roundabout put all its vehicular traffic through. We consider this an adverse impact that when considered against NPPF policy HC5, should be refused.

That said, there are several deficiencies in the proposal that should be addressed should a drive through in this area considered to be potentially acceptable.

1. There is no planning for cycle delivery couriers. Given the concentration likely to be generated, routes external to the store, within the adopted highway, should be improved to mitigate the impact. In particular, there should be dedicated cycle facilities across the A441 westbound, and eastbound along Hazelwell Lane.
2. The accident analysis in the Transport Assessment identifies a significant number of accidents at the A441 / Umberslade Road / Hazelwell Road roundabout. The impact of traffic across this junction from the development, along with the increased pedestrian and cycle routing to the store, represent a severe impact which needs to be mitigated. It is suggested that a build out to narrow the crossing distance on the southbound A441 exit would be beneficial, if appropriately designed. The northbound A441 would likely require a signalised crossing, as this is the location where a large cluster of accidents has occurred.
3. Hazelwell Lane is shown as not currently an adopted highway within the control of the council. This link that connects the residential area to the east, including being a connection to a footbridge over the River Rea. It would be expected that MacDonalds provide a walking and cycling route along this Road that can be given to the Highway Authority for adoption.

As a minimum, we would expect the highway authority to push for the mitigation measures to resolve the impact this development has on the ability of local residents to route around the area via walking and cycling safely and efficiently.