Restaurant plans would give jobs boost, says MP
A SWANSEA MP says a proposal to create a new McDonald's restaurant and drive-thru at Morfa Retail Park would help to boost jobs.
Sian James, MP for Swansea East, is supporting the Brunel Way scheme, which promises to bring 75 new full and part-time jobs to the city.
But the plans are recommended for refusal by the local authority.
Council planners will cast their eyes over the plans tomorrow at the meeting in Swansea's Civic Centre.
A letter of objection has already been received against the scheme by the Liberty Stadium Management Company.
In the planning report, due to be considered tomorrow, it said: "The two primary grounds of objection are: The site is already well provided for by the type of services which the proposed development seeks to supplement.
"Already on the immediate site there is a match day provision for food and beverages for supporters using the (Liberty) Stadium, along with similar services for non-matchday users attending conferencing and related events. Additionally, immediately adjacent to the Stadium car park there are two existing restaurant developments namely Harvester and Frankie and Benny's.
"In addition to these facilities and within immediate walking distance there are three other restaurant facilities in the pods which are situated on the East Bank of the River Tawe."
They also have raised concerns over traffic management issues event and non-event days.
But Ms James MP said: "We should recognise that we need to provide a full range of employment and training opportunities for people."
Local McDonald's franchisee, Ron Mounsey, who owns and operates several restaurants in the Swansea area added: "We can all agree that creating jobs is more important than ever in these tough economic times."
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by alwilsam
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 3:28PM
“I understand this outlet which is just an expansion of the Mounsie empire of McDonald's is to be built behind the EAST stand taking away the strip of parking. Far better to use this land to build a multi storey car park for the stadium and then maybe the selfish people who use the car parks for Harvester/Frankie/Benny"s could then leave those spaces for diners at these restaurants”
by Sandson
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 11:34AM
“Lots of Liberty experts on this site. Have to respect their views - but the management company aren't objecting on grounds of space or even suitability. Seems they just want keep a monopoly on the price of a burger. Something to chew on.”
by simonsy
Monday, February 06 2012, 11:26PM
“i dont agree with having yet another Mcds in Swansea.. we have too many already. But I do disagree with comments relating to Mcds being low paid pointless job etc.. i worked in Mcds for 3 years whilst going through college. The pay was good, and i earnt more there full time than i do now in a salaried career.I made some amazing friends, and it was a real stepping stone for me into the world of work. Dont knock it until you have tried it.”
by SuzGorseinon
Monday, February 06 2012, 10:14PM
“Is that the total sum of Labours hope/ambition for jobs in Swansea? Low paid jobs at junk food outlets, God help us!”
by Nubbo
Monday, February 06 2012, 9:43PM
“This plot of land is an CANDIDATE SITE (BM:0007) ... Proposed use.."Residential & community use ".
Odd bunch these so called City & County of Swansea Landlords!
Personally, I'd build a brand new Combined "Swansea central rail - Coach station" here- then close High St Station and use that old line as an internodle carriageway to Landore which would ease traffic congestion in Neath Rd Dyfatty and High street .”
by KP287
Monday, February 06 2012, 9:09PM
“I may have misread this story, McDonalds creating jobs? Does Ms James know what she is talking about??”
by westcoastswan
Monday, February 06 2012, 9:07PM
“Don't build anything next to the liberty !!!!!!!!!!
Keep the land to build another tier on !!!!!!!!!!”
by trunkles3
Monday, February 06 2012, 8:33PM
“What extra jobs? There is already a McD a couple miles up the road. A new one would only take customers from the first. Don't McD's franchisee's have some control over how close the next nearest outlet? I'd not be surprised to see the Morriston branch shut if this place opens.”
by Dai_Chotomy
Monday, February 06 2012, 7:54PM
“What pray is a "drive-thru"? Our American friends seem to lose letters from words, but that is no excuse for the Eevnin Pst to do the same. If you mean "drive-through" say drive-through!”
by TaipeiSteve
Monday, February 06 2012, 5:21PM
“The council planners would do well to watch the movie 'Supersize Me' (http://tinyurl.com/8652pp5) before making a decision. Yes, another Mac in town might bring in jobs but, as UpperBank commented, it will also generate more fat diabetics.
If something needs to be built in the area, let's encourage a gym and health club application.”