Rochdale, Greater Manchester – Fast food giant McDonald’s has been denied permission to build a new drive-thru restaurant in Rochdale town centre, with local council officials citing significant concerns over public health. Rochdale Borough Council’s planning officers rejected the proposal for the vacant plot at the corner of Molesworth Street and Water Street, arguing there was a lack of evidence to prove the development would not have an adverse impact on the health of residents. Public Health Concerns The decision highlights a specific focus on the health of vulnerable groups in the area. The planning committee’s refusal letter noted that the site falls within an area where, "dire and declining health outcomes", in children and adults are partially linked to poor dietary choices. While the scheme proposed significant economic benefits—including the creation of up to 120 new jobs and 37 car parking spaces on the underused plot—these were not sufficient to offset th...