Plans for a new drive-through Burger King in Brynmawr have been approved by Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council despite opposition over health concerns. The approval came during a planning committee meeting on Thursday, June 5.
The application, submitted by Starburst Limited, also includes proposals for a pizza restaurant/takeaway and a tanning salon on land at Blaina Road, Brynmawr. If built, the development is expected to create 84 full- and part-time jobs.
Planning officer Joanne White explained that outline planning permission was originally granted in 2018 for a nearby Costa Coffee drive-through and a housing development of 25 homes. However, the housing portion was never developed and the permission has since expired.
White suggested that a housing scheme was unlikely to be built on the site and recommended approval of the new plans.
Labour councillor Jules Gardner, representing Brynmawr, opposed the proposal. He said he and other ward councillors had received many complaints from residents. Gardner argued the new businesses would offer no new services, merely duplicating existing fast-food outlets just 100 metres from a McDonald’s drive-through. He warned the development could increase antisocial behavior, worsen traffic congestion, and harm the town centre.
Local resident Chris Nottingham also spoke against the plan, citing serious health concerns. He pointed to Blaenau Gwent’s high rates of childhood obesity, with over a quarter of children overweight or obese. Nottingham noted that major health issues in the area, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, are linked to poor diets. He argued that allowing more fast-food outlets, especially near schools and deprived areas, would worsen health inequalities.
Despite these concerns, development management team manager Steph Hopkins said there are no local or national planning policies that restrict fast-food outlets. She emphasized that planning should not dictate consumer choice and noted that many fast-food restaurants now offer healthier options. Hopkins also pointed out that customers could choose to walk or cycle to the site.
The committee voted four in favor and two against approving the development.
During the discussion, Independent councillor George Humphreys asked whether any support would be provided for the additional pressure this development might place on local health services. Hopkins responded that it would be unfair to assume a direct impact on health services and said no financial contributions towards health were being sought.
Labour councillor David Wilkshire said the decision was difficult but stressed the importance of community health. He added that the site could be used for developments more beneficial to the community. Wilkshire also expressed concerns that increased traffic would burden the town and stated he would vote against the plan.
The approval marks a significant step for Brynmawr’s retail and employment landscape, despite ongoing debate about the impact on public health and local infrastructure.
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