Fast Food Chain Challenges UK Local Authorities Over New Outlet Approvals

In a recent investigation by the British Medical Journal, it has been revealed that McDonald's is successfully countering efforts by local councils in the UK to block the establishment of new fast food outlets. The company argues that its new locations can promote healthier lifestyles.

The findings, based on Freedom of Information requests, indicate that McDonald's has won planning appeals in some of England's most disadvantaged areas, where childhood obesity rates are alarmingly high, with approximately 25% of children classified as obese by the end of primary school.

McDonald's contends that its drive-throughs allow customers to choose healthier menu options, such as salads, and claims that many patrons will walk or cycle to the restaurants. Additionally, the company emphasizes its involvement in local communities, including sponsoring youth sports teams, to promote health and wellness.

With plans to open 200 new restaurants in the UK and Ireland over the next four years, McDonald's has employed a specialized medical professional to argue that obesity is influenced by numerous factors beyond fast food consumption, asserting that its menu offers nutritious, low-calorie choices.

A spokesperson for McDonald's stated that they value local decision-making in the planning process and strive to collaborate with councils to ensure their proposals align with community needs.

However, public health experts express concern that the threat of appeals from McDonald's creates a chilling effect on local authorities, making them more likely to approve new fast food outlets despite public health considerations. The investigation found that McDonald's has filed 14 appeals with the Planning Inspectorate--the entity responsible for reviewing local planning decisions--over the past five years, with only one appeal resulting in a loss; two cases are currently still under review.

In a notable case from Norwich in 2024, McDonald's successfully argued that its proposed drive-through would allow customers to order salads, coffee, and meals containing fewer than 400 calories. The Planning Inspectorate sided with McDonald's, leading to the approval of a restaurant that is set to become the tenth McDonald's in Norwich.

In Mansfield, the company addressed concerns regarding a new outlet's proximity to three primary schools. McDonald's claimed that children would likely be accompanied by adults who could guide them in making healthy food choices. This appeal was also upheld, and the restaurant was officially opened in December 2023 by a local youth football team, which was sponsored by McDonald's.

The investigation identified instances where McDonald's threatened to reclaim costs from councils during appeal hearings, alleging unreasonable behavior from local authorities, though they ultimately did not pursue these claims.

Dr. Amelia Lake, a public health nutrition expert, highlighted that the appeal process requires significant resources from local councils, leading to heightened anxiety regarding potential financial repercussions. This dynamic creates an environment where a financially robust entity like McDonald's can effectively present its case to sway decision-makers.

Additionally, the investigation uncovered that McDonald's has objected to local government proposals aimed at establishing exclusion zones to restrict fast food outlets near schools or in areas with high obesity rates.

Experts are raising alarms about the broader issue of how the fast food industry, including McDonald's, influences public perception and policy through extensive advertising and lobbying efforts. Alice Wiseman, a public health director, advocates for comprehensive policies that limit the availability and visibility of unhealthy food options, especially for children and youth. She stresses the need for a coordinated approach to reduce the prevalence of preventable health issues, while acknowledging the challenges posed by industry lobbying against public health initiatives.