Town Scuppers New McDonald's Plan

Abergavenny residents have prevented the international takeaway chain from building a new restaurant on the edge of the town.

Following a three-day planning appeal, the firm's application to open an outlet on the busy Heads of the Valleys road was rejected by the Planning Inspectorate.

A protester outside the public inquiry

Alongside safety fears, protestors were concerned that the site, on the outskirts of the town, would impact on Abergavenny's shopping centre.

They have now called for McDonald's to open a store in the middle of the town instead.

Monmouth AM David Davies has expressed his delight at the decision.

McDonald's has said it is disappointed to have its appeal turned down and will now be studying the planning inspector's report.

Signed petition

Hundreds of people in Abergavenny had signed petitions in opposition to the company's plans for a new restaurant on the edge of the community.

The protest began when the company announced it wanted to build a restaurant alongside the A465 Heads of the Valleys road on the outskirts of the town.

Parents expressed concern that children could risk their lives by crossing the lanes of traffic to get to the proposed restaurant.

The protesters were joined by other business leaders from the Abergavenny area.

'Best location'

McDonald's responded by saying it had identified the best location in the area.

Residents admitted that they faced a "David and Goliath-style battle", but still remained confident of success.

McDonald's plans to open 2,000 stores worldwide each year and is also to sell its up-market Aroma coffee shop chain in the UK.

The sales, which was announced last month, are expected to fetch over $20m (£15m).

Hundreds of people in Abergavenny have already signed petitions in opposition to the company's plans for a new restaurant on the edge of the community.

A public inquiry opening on Wednesday will hear evidence from both sides.

The protest began when the company announced that it wanted to build a restaurant alongside the A465 Heads of the Valleys road on the outskirts of the town.

Parents have expressed concern that children could risk their lives by crossing the lanes of traffic to get to the proposed restaurant.

The protesters have been joined by other business leaders, who have urged McDonald's to open a restaurant in the town itself.

'David and Goliath'

McDonald's responded by saying it had identified the best location in the area.

It intends to put its side of the case at the public inquiry, which opens in the town.

Residents have said they face a "David and Goliath-style battle", but they remain confident of success.

McDonald's plans to open 2,000 stores worldwide each year and is also to sell its up-market Aroma coffee shop chain in the UK.

The sales, which was announced last month, are expected to fetch over $20m (£15m).