Midlothian locals upset over plans for drive thru restaurants at busy retail park

Kris Gourlay

2 May 2024 at 7:18 am·2-min read

straiton — The drive thru restaurants would be built near Straiton Retail Park, Loanhead. -Credit:Google maps

Plans have been submitted for two new drive-thru restaurants at a busy Midlothian shopping park.

Peel Land & Property Ltd recently submitted plans to Midlothian Council for the erection of two drive-thru restaurants on disused land between Straiton Road and Loanhead Road.

The units would be built near the existing McDonald's drive thru, with members of the public now invited to view and comment on the development with planners reviewing the proposals ahead of a decision being made.

Plans for both units have been drawn up although the brands occupying the restaurants are yet to be chosen. However, it has been revealed that an EV charging hub, substation, new access and parking are all part of the proposals.

It is understood Loanhead & District Community Council has objected to the plans which would see 31 new parking spaces and 36 electric vehicle spaces built near the Straiton Roundabout.

One of the units would also include an outdoor seating area, several car waiting bays and an enclosed external yard.

The busy retail park on the outskirts of Edinburgh already benefits from a nearby McDonald's drive thru, as well as fast food chains KFC and Burger King near Costco and Ikea. Other retail offerings include Dunelm, Marks & Spencer, Next and many more.

The land chosen by developers is understood to have been vacant for some time. Concerned residents have already written letters of objection to the council, with issues such as increased traffic and the low demand for new food outlets being cited.

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One couple who live in the town wrote: "We are writing to object to this proposal. This is partly due to our concern regarding increased traffic that further development will produce and the impact on traffic pollution as a result.

"In this estate we often have difficulties getting in and out of our home, particularly at weekends, public holidays and the build up to Christmas, It can make us almost feel like prisoners in our own house."

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A second resident wrote: "I am writing to object, yet again, to another planning application which will mean additional traffic, pollution, noise and increased environmental issues to Loanhead.

"The location of this drive thru should not be considered. The surrounding roads around this area not in any fit state to support this additional traffic. The traffic around this location is already getting worse, specifically at the weekend, and makes it difficult for local residents to get into Loanhead."

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