A clash is looming over plans for the McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant in Bracknell, as council officers have opposed changes.
A clash is brewing over plans for a McDonald’s drive-thru in Bracknell as council officers oppose proposed changes.
Located at The Keep, off the Mill Lane, Wildridings and Ringmead roundabout, the drive-thru serves visitors to Mill Park and locals commuting between Bracknell and Crowthorne.
The fast-food giant aims to expand its car park to allow side-by-side ordering, increasing lanes from one to two, but this would mean losing two mature willow trees.
At an upcoming Bracknell Forest Council meeting, officers have recommended rejecting the changes, citing concerns that the reconfiguration could cause conflicts between dine-in customers and drive-thru users.
Planning officer Shelley Clark highlighted that McDonald’s has not provided updated operational data, making it difficult to assess peak traffic demand. She noted that without this information, the potential safety risks for pedestrians and cyclists using the three designated bike and motorbike parking spaces remain unclear.
Concerns were also raised about the loss of the two willow trees, although McDonald’s plans to plant 20 new trees on Bracknell Town Council land near Mill Park as compensation.
Despite the anticipated loss of habitat and hedgerows, no objections were noted from the council’s biodiversity officer, provided McDonald’s submits enhancement details if the drive-thru proceeds.
Local objections focused on increased traffic, pollution, and litter, with 33 letters against the changes. Conversely, 16 residents supported the plans, arguing they would improve traffic flow and enhance the customer experience.
The decision will be made by the planning committee, as councillor Paul Bidwell (Labour, Easthampstead & Wildridings) requested their involvement. A meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 11, to make the final call.
To view the application, search for reference 25/00280/FUL on the council’s planning portal.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
