A fast food giant could be coming to a Surrey town in the new year. The popular chain McDonald’s has big plans to open its newest restaurant in Caterham with takeaway and McDelivery options.
The American chain is hoping to settle into a new home in a former charity shop in the Quadrant House shopping centre in Croydon Road. A planning application stated the proposal represents a multi-million-pound investment in the area.
More than 400 people have commented on the plans, with more or less a 50/50 split between those in favour and those opposed. Some fear it could have a "detrimental" impact on the town while others welcome the fast food chain saying it will create jobs and a place to for young people to meet.
Drawings of the new restaurant show it would have a queuing space where customers can order and a dining area described as a relaxed and modern environment with a variety of seats and tables to cater to up to 60 customers. There would also be toilets, a kitchen, staff areas, and storage.
The restaurant would expand opportunities for takeaway and delivery within a 1.5 mile radius. Six new motorcycle spaces are proposed at the back of the restaurant. It would also employ around 120 staff, which the company hopes to recruit from the local area.
Dividing the community
The proposals, which are due to be decided at a Tandridge District Council meeting on Thursday, January 9, have attracted much attention and split the community. More than 400 comments have been received by the council.
If it gets signed off, the branch could be the 15th McDonald’s in the county. However, some people have objected to the proposals claiming the international burger chain would have a "detrimental" impact on the town. Some described Caterham as “too small” to have another fast food restaurant.
Others highlighted anti-social behaviour which can sometimes take place outside Redhill ’s McDonald’s branch. Concerns were also raised about graffiti, littering and disorderly behaviour in the town centre.
But of the many supporting the application, people seemed keen that the multi-billion dollar company would encourage investment, bring local jobs and get more people visiting the town. Those looking forward to the new branch said it would be a good place for young people to meet and socialise as well as providing more food options at night.
Caterham Parish Council has taken issue that only about 18 per cent of space will be for front of house and dining-in customers, leaving most of the area for back office or for supplying deliveries.
"Exciting opportunities"
Opening hours are said to be from 7am until 11pm, seven days a week, according to planning documents. The applicant reassured the restaurant would “maintain a strict protocol” to ensure noise and disturbance are kept to a minimum. It said this would include training for all shift managers in conflict resolution so they are equipped to deal with noise and anti-social behaviour.
A spokesperson for McDonald's previously told SurreyLive: "We are excited about the opportunity to open a restaurant in Caterham, if approved the proposed restaurant will bring significant investment to the local area and deliver up to 120 full and part-time jobs.”
The closest McDonald’s to Caterham can be found in either Redhill, Croydon, Purley, or at the M25 Clacket Lane services.
