Plans for a new McDonald’s drive-thru and electric vehicle charging hub beside the M8 in Paisley have been refused by Renfrewshire Council amid concerns over tree loss, noise and the impact on nearby homes.
The proposed development at St James Avenue, near Junction 29 of the motorway, was submitted by BP Pulse through Chargemaster Ltd. It included a 16-bay EV charging hub, a McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant, parking, landscaping and associated infrastructure.
Planning documents stated the restaurant was expected to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, alongside the charging hub.
The application went before the Planning and Climate Change Policy Board on Tuesday, 26th May, with council planning officers recommending refusal. Councillors unanimously agreed.
According to the council report, the development would have required the removal of two protected trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order, including one category A tree, as well as several other mature trees and part of a wider woodland area.
Planning officers said the site’s mature tree belt acted as an important “natural green buffer” between homes on St James Avenue and the busy motorway and road network beyond.
The report concluded the proposal would have a “significant detrimental impact” on the character, appearance and amenity of the surrounding residential area.
Council environmental protection officers also objected after a noise assessment submitted by the applicant found there would likely be an “adverse impact” at nearby homes during quieter night-time periods, even with mitigation measures in place.
Eleven objections were submitted by members of the public, raising concerns including traffic, anti-social behaviour, littering, emissions from idling vehicles, wildlife impacts and the loss of green space.
During the meeting, Ben Smith said he agreed with the planning officer’s assessment.
He told the board: “I do not think that this is an appropriate application.
“On the St James Avenue issue alone, I would not be in favour of it, but, for the reasons that I have outlined, I agree with the officer’s report.”
James McLaren also backed refusal and described the officer report as “very thorough”.
Planning officers concluded the development conflicted with both the National Planning Framework and the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan because of its impact on open space, biodiversity, residential amenity and protected trees.