A McDONALD’S drive-thru that could be built on top of a graveyard has been labelled an “eyesore” by locals.
The fast food chain has applied to build a new burger joint in Dover that will include a drive-thru, car parking, and charging bays.
But the site on Townwall Street and Woolcomber Street was once a church with a graveyard – with bodies remaining below to this day.
Over 500 locals have registered their comments on the plan which bring 120 jobs and have 55 parking spaces with 10 for electric car charging.
One said: “We live extremely close to, and know, this area remarkably well. Traffic would constantly be gridlocked If this drive through application was granted.”
Another said: “It’s not good for the environment and the surrounding areas. We need the town tidying up and not anymore fast food restaurants.”
While a third wrote: “This is such a depressing application. To position a McDonald’s in this location is completely inappropriate.
“The view to the castle would be drowned out by the garish colours of this ubiquitous fast-food outlet and the beautiful St James’ area blighted.”
Other residents back an increased number of jobs the restaurant will bring to the area and the financial contribution McDonald’s make to local charities.
McDonald’s bosses claim the finished building will be “appropriate for the area”.
They said in their application: “Natural and neutral colours and materials will be used” to ensure the site “integrates easily with the surroundings”.
Amenity group Historic Buildings and Places panned the plans, describing them as “inappropriate” with the setting of Grade-II listen Dover Castle Conservation Area.
They said: “The decision to locate the restaurant building adjacent to the church is poorly conceived and lacks consideration of the adjacent heritage assets.
“The restaurant is partly located on the site of the former graveyard.”
However, the heritage report carried out on behalf of McDonald’s found the design was acceptable and sensitive to the adjacent site.
A McDonald’s spokesperson said: “We are excited about the opportunity to open a new restaurant in Dover and look forward to continuing our discussions with the council and local residents to address any concerns.”
Dover Leisure Centre had stood on the site for four decades before it was torn down in 2020.
That was replaced by a new £26million facility in Whitfield.
A decision will be made by planning officers at Dover District Council.
Buildings and areas of special architectural or historic interest are covered by a particular piece of law.
Like McDonald’s, anyone looking to build anything on a site which could affect archaeology or heritage has to carry out a Archaeology and Heritage Assessment.
That report will weigh up what is proposed and how it will affect the site, with an eye on ensuring whatever is special about the site remains so.
Anyone looking to build will need to show how their plan “avoids or minimises harm” of the historic site.
For more advice, Historic England has set out a website with information around the rules and the process that anyone looking to complete a development would need.
