I visited trendy Birmingham suburb engulfed by McDonald’s row - here's what locals told me

If you happened to have visited Stirchley this week, you may have stumbled across protesters braving the chilly weather to wave signs reading ‘I’m hatin’ it’ and ‘down with the clown’. This is because the trendy Birmingham suburb, known for its independent businesses, has recently become engulfed by a row over proposals for a new McDonald’s in the area.

Plans for the new fast food branch, yet to be submitted, include a new restaurant and drive-through on land off Hazelwell Lane. The fallout from these divisive proposals have seen more than 1,600 people sign a petition against them amid fears over traffic, litter and Stirchley’s unique character.

Even the areas’ MP, Al Carns, waded into the debate, saying that he did not believe that McDonald’s “would integrate well into Stirchley’s economy”. When I visited the suburb this week, it was clear that Ronald McDonald was not welcome as far as some residents are concerned.

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One Stirchley local I spoke to, Nick Harding, said he was particularly worried about noise, littering and Stirchley’s reputation as a place for independent businesses. “It doesn’t seem like the right place for it,” the 36-year-old told me.

“I know it’s brownfield but in my opinion even a coffee shop would be better". Discussing Stirchley’s character, he went on to say: “McDonald’s doesn’t really add anything - there are good burger places already here.”

Carla Renwick, another local, was more positive about the plans however and argued that the problem was not the proposed McDonald’s when it came to traffic. “The problem is about the infrastructure, it’s not good,” she said.

She continued: “We need more commercial things here. I would prefer something like a Boots or a gym but we know the investment [from McDonald’s] is very high". One mum I spoke to added that the new McDonald’s would be convenient for her children but also expressed concerns over rubbish and traffic.

For many people against the proposals, having the fast food chain in an area that was put on the map by its independent bars, restaurants and cafes is a particular worry. Kimberley Bartrum, who signed the online petition, said: “Stirchley just doesn’t need this.

“We have brilliant independent businesses that are contributing positively to a unique and vibrant community, but a chain like McDonald’s is just bland and faceless". Silvia Neves, who also signed it, added: “Stirchley’s charm and growth are deeply rooted in its vibrant local businesses and the passionate people behind them.

“Let’s protect what makes Stirchley unique". Cassandra Kirk-Gould, who launched the petition, argued that Stirchley’s spirit was rooted in small businesses and “not big international chains”.

What has McDonald’s said

The online consultation page says the benefits of a local McDonald’s include around 100 new jobs for local people; the regeneration of a vacant brownfield site and a multi-million-pound investment into the Stirchley area. It continued there would be 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 said. “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.”

It added it will carefully review all feedback received before finalising and submitting a planning application to Birmingham City Council. The consultation will run until Tuesday, November 26 and can be found here.