CONCERNS have been raised about the proposed location for a new McDonalds drive-thru in Bude.

Cornwall Council’s planning department has issued a response to a pre-application advice enquiry application from a Mr Tobin.

He sought the council’s advice on the likelihood of support for a single storey restaurant, with DriveThru lane, surface level car park, and associated landscaping on land north of Unit 4, Binhamy Retail Park.

In its response, Cornwall Council’s planning department has said that the proximity of the site to a nearby school could prevent it being approved if a full planning application is made.

The council’s planning department cited a paragraph of the National Planning Policy Framework which states that planning authorities should refuse applications for hot food takeaways and fast food outlets within walking distance of schools or other children’s amenities.

It was noted that the proposed McDonalds restaurant is in proximity to Budehaven School.

Responding, the council’s planning officers said: “To clarify the site is not considered to be within Bude town centre. Budehaven Community School is to the west of the proposal site and is the main secondary school serving the Bude area. During our meeting the distance from Budehaven School to the proposal site was discussed and it was agreed that the site is within walking distance.

“The exact distance would be a matter of consideration following evidence from yourselves but I must reiterate my concerns in that even if shown to be outside of the 400 metre exclusion zone, I consider that Budehaven School is within walking distance of the proposal site.

“Based on the information supplied I can advise that the site indicated is considered to be within walking distance of Budehaven School and as such there are concerns over the suitability of the site for a hot food takeaway.”