Council planners have refused plans for a new McDonald's in Saltney, citing anti-social behaviour and its close proximity to local schools.

Last September, plans were submitted to Cheshire West and Chester council to transform an "under-utilised site" on Boundary Lane, to create a McDonald's restaurant and drive thru.

Proposals sought to demolish three buildings on the Boundary Lane site - including Mallard House, Pullman House and Scotsman House.

Plans included 37 car parking spaces, two accessible bays and two EV charging stations, alongside an outdoor seating area to the south of the restaurant.

The application submitted by Lichfields on behalf of Mcdonald's estimated that a total of 100 direct jobs were to be created, "once the development is completed and operational".

However, the application has today been refused (Friday 16 January), with council planners arguing the potential for anti-social behaviour, and the location of the site being within walking distance to several schools, outweighs the possible benefits to the development.

Saltney Town Council had offered objections to the proposal on the grounds that it would affect trading conditions for existing businesses in the area, where "the concentration of fast food outlets is already high".

It also raised issues of exacerbating childhood obesity levels and the "undue" impact on the operation of the local highway network.

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Cheshire Police also refused support for the application, stating the operation of the fast food outlet "would be to the detriment of the local community" in terms of anti-social behaviour.

The force presented crime data within the Lache Ward to support its refusal, stating anti-social behaviour as the second most reported incident type in the area - from December 2024 to November 2025.

Despite acknowledging the development's positive impact on jobs in the area, the report concluded the development should be refused.

The officer report said: "The application fails to demonstrate how the proposal would achieve a healthy, inclusive and safe places which reduces the opportunity for anti-social behaviour and the perception of crime and feeling of vulnerability for people within the community.

"The local planning authority considers that the proposed development is unacceptable.

"It has therefore not been possible to work with the applicant in a positive and proactive way to secure a development that will improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area in line with the NPPF."

You can find the application here.