Inside the McDonald’s row in a trendy Birmingham suburb

McDonald’s incurred the wrath of many residents in the trendy Birmingham area of Stirchley last year when it revealed proposals for a new restaurant and drive-through in the area.

The divisive plans, for a site off Hazelwell Lane, quickly became a huge talking point in the suburb, which has garnered a reputation for unique and independent businesses in recent years.

Amid fears over traffic, litter and Stirchley’s character, residents made a defiant stand and brandished signs reading ‘I’m hatin’ it’ and ‘St. Irchley will not bless McDonald’s here’ during November’s demonstration.

Months later and those concerned Brummies finally got their wish, with McDonald’s confirming this week that it is ditching its controversial proposals.

“We have decided not to move forward with the Stirchley application,” a McDonald’s spokesperson said. “As with any site, there are many factors that mean we might not go ahead and after further operational analysis here, we have taken this decision.

“We look forward to exploring other opportunities to bring McDonald’s to the area in the future.”

This was welcome news for many residents who fought back against the fast food giant’s proposals by making their voices heard.

As well as the protest, more than 1,800 people signed an online petition to ‘reject the construction of a McDonald’s in Stirchley’.

Cassandra Kirk-Gould, who launched the petition, wrote that Stirchley’s spirit was rooted in small businesses and urged residents to “stand together against unwanted, unnecessary developments”.

“Together, we can preserve Stirchley’s independent weirdness and protect the interests of our community,” she said. “Prevent more of the same old stuff you see everywhere moving in.”

The row also saw politicians wade into the debate. The areas’ MP, Al Carns, spoke out against the proposal last year, saying he did not believe that McDonald’s “would integrate well into Stirchley’s economy”.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service this week, the Labour MP said he was pleased to hear that McDonald’s had decided not to proceed with its plans.

“I voiced my opposition to the proposal last November after speaking with many residents, small businesses and Councillor Mary Locke,” he continued.

“I didn’t believe then, and I don’t believe now, that a McDonald’s would be right for Stirchley or the wider area.”

He went on to say that Stirchley is home to many “fantastic” independent businesses that provide high-quality services for residents.

“These businesses keep money in our local economy and contribute to our community,” he said.

“I will continue to support and champion these local heroes who all play their part in making Stirchley the brilliant and unique place it is.”

Several residents were similarly pleased, with Sajid Mehmood saying: “Good decision – now we need more trees, green belts and playing areas.”

Deborah Suzanne said: “Something for the youth would be great, seeing as they lost a bowling alley and a very popular gym.

“Hopefully not another food place, surely there’s only so much eating people can do.”

“The last thing the world needs is another Mcdonald’s,” Simeon Thaw said.

Chris Lepkowski reacted by saying: “All those fantastic places to eat – why lower the tone with a McDonald’s?”

Others questioned whether it was a missed opportunity in terms of the local jobs or cheap food and drink products that would have been on offer.

Cheryl Homer said: “While I’m pleased about this, let’s not lose sight of the fact that there are residents here who cannot afford a cup of tea on our high street anymore.”

Residents last year also spoke positively about the investment McDonald’s would have put into the area as well as the convenience for those with children.

The online consultation page launched last year said the benefits of a local McDonald’s would have included around 100 new jobs; the regeneration of a vacant brownfield site and a multi-million-pound investment into the Stirchley area.

It said there would have been a “carefully planned internal queuing system” to regulate traffic as well as recycling and waste facilities to encourage disposal of rubbish and reduce littering.

“The site is currently disused, brownfield land, next to Aldi,” the consultation page read. “The area has been vacant for a number of years.

“The area can be subject to misuse, and a recent site visit revealed hazardous debris on the land.

“McDonald’s proposals, if approved, would regenerate this derelict site and bring it into restaurant use for the whole community to enjoy.

“It is well located, just off a main road and close to other restaurants, bars and retail space in the area.”