McDonald's drive thru at Birmingham Airport given planning approval

Green light for drive thru fast food restaurant on Car Park 6 of BHX

Sam Greenway - Local Democracy Reporter | Wednesday 15th January 2025 8:45am

Fast food chain McDonald's has been given the go-ahead to build a drive thru restaurant at Birmingham Airport.

The application from the giant America firm was given the go-ahead following a close vote of Solihull planners. 

As the Local Democracy Reporting Service previously reported, McDonald's lodged the original application for the drive thru on Car Park 6 of BHX in September. 

Artist's impressions of the proposed restaurant were included with the plans showing the site and the outdoor seating area as well as the famous ‘Golden Arches’ signage.

But during a consultation seven objections were made raising concerns about traffic congestion as it is the only access for the airport staff's car park and there would be an expected increase in the volume of traffic. 

Bickenhill Parish Council objected with its councillors fearing it would lead to the site becoming a car meeting point and more “car cruising” in the area.

The plans for the site south east of the Airport Way/Viking Road/Jetstream Road roundabout went in front of the latest meeting of Solihull Council planning committee.

During members' debate Councillor Jane Lamden asked officers: “Will they (McDonald's) be using food delivery people from there?

“They can cause real problems with parking – and parking is going to be an issue here.”

Planning officer Becky Stevens confirmed the plans showed there were four parking bays marked for couriers.

“I know from Chemsley Wood McDonald's it’s a nightmare to get parking,” the councillor said.

“They (couriers) are everywhere. They are on the pavement. I get a bit concerned about access, parking.”

The officer highlighted there was a condition which the restaurant had to produce a parking management strategy.

Councillor Mark Wilson said he had concerns the McDonald’s would add to an already congested road network around the airport, with concerns raised about pedestrians crossing to the site.

The officer said: “It is proposed the majority of the use of this will be through existing users of the airport coming and going so it wouldn't increase the traffic movements.”

It was also highlighted Solihull Council highways officers had made no objection about congestion or pedestrian safety. 

The application was given approval, subject to conditions, by a vote of five votes to three. 

In the original planning application Lichfields, the agent for McDonald's, said the economic benefits of the proposed development would be “considerable” creating 185 jobs during construction and 75 equivalent full time jobs once the restaurant has opened. 

The 309 square metre restaurant is set to be in the colours of the McDonald's brand and provide the option for diners to either eat in or use the drive-thru to takeaway.

The meeting was held at the Civic Suite on Wednesday, (January 8).  

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