Battle over McDonald's plans for windmill

Published on Monday 10 August 2009 09:59

FAST food giant McDonald's has sparked protests by bidding to build a wind turbine next to one of its restaurants in the Capital as part of a drive to boost its environmental credentials.

The 20-metre-tall turbine is to tower above the American firm's outlet in South Queensferry.

It will become only the second McDonald's in the UK to have a wind turbine to contribute towards an outlet's energy usage – and the first in Scotland.

The energy firm that is working with McDonald's on the project said it would "broadcast a positive environmental message to the local community".

But residents and community leaders have accused McDonald's of using the scheme to maximise publicity – and say that having a wind turbine at a drive-through restaurant sends out conflicting signals on the environment.

Andrew Luke, senior energy consultant at Reading-based Semplice Energy, which is working with the fast food chain on the project, said: "Reducing energy consumption is on everybody's minds right now.

"It is very good news that a company like McDonald's is keen. They and Tesco are among the first movers on this.

"This sort of visual impact can make a real difference."

It has taken nearly two years to work through the planning process as a result of concerns Edinburgh Airport operator BAA had over potential adverse impacts on the airport radar. It has now been agreed that, if there is an impact, the turbine will be replaced by a smaller one.

Planning officials have recommended the scheme is approved - despite the concerns of residents in the area.

Keith Giblett, vice-chairman and planning convener of the Queensferry & District Community Council, said the development was inappropriate as it backs on to a residential area and could distract drivers at the busy Echline Roundabout. "McDonald's would do better for the environment by collecting up its rubbish, which travels far and wide," he said.

Mike Warren, a resident of the nearby Stoneyflatts Park, said: "It seems wholly incompatible to use a non-environmentally friendly facility such as a drive-through restaurant as a testing ground for an oversized, over-engineered and inappropriate solution."

Despite the objections, John Bury, the city council's head of planning, said: "The proposal would provide renewable energy in a form that is encouraged by local plan policy, would not adversely affect the character of the area and airport safety issues have been resolved."

A decision on the application will be made by councillors at a planning meeting on Wednesday.