![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/0_escenic-77.jpg\")
A file photo of a McDonald’s restaurant\/protesters gather in Stirchley in November 2024(Image: Nick Ansell\/PA Wire\/Katy Nadin)<\/p>\nThere was uproar in the Birmingham suburb of Stirchley last year amid proposals for a McDonald’s restaurant in the areaA file photo of a McDonald’s restaurant\/protesters gather in Stirchley in November 2024(Image: Nick Ansell\/PA Wire\/Katy Nadin)<\/p>\n
It was last November when Stirchley locals braved the cold and gathered in protest with one simple message: \u2018Down with the clown\u2019.<\/p>\n
McDonald’s<\/a> incurred the wrath of many residents in the trendy Birmingham<\/a> area last year when it revealed proposals for a new restaurant and drive-through in the area.<\/p>\n The divisive plans, for a site off Hazelwell Lane, quickly became a huge talking point in the suburb, which has garnered a reputation for unique and independent businesses in recent years.<\/p>\n READ MORE: <\/strong>Decision on proposed McDonald’s in trendy Birmingham area amid ‘down with the clown’ backlash<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Amid fears over traffic, litter and Stirchley<\/a>\u2019s character, residents made a defiant stand and brandished signs reading \u2018I\u2019m hatin\u2019 it\u2019 and \u2018St. Irchley will not bless McDonald’s here\u2019 during November\u2019s demonstration.<\/p>\n Months later and those concerned Brummies finally got their wish, with McDonald\u2019s confirming this week that it is ditching its controversial proposals.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have decided not to move forward with the Stirchley application,\u201d a McDonald\u2019s spokesperson said. \u201cAs with any site, there are many factors that mean we might not go ahead and after further operational analysis here, we have taken this decision.<\/p>\n \u201cWe look forward to exploring other opportunities to bring McDonald\u2019s to the area in the future.”<\/p>\n This was welcome news for many residents who fought back against the fast food giant\u2019s proposals by making their voices heard.<\/p>\n As well as the protest, more than 1,800 people signed an online petition to \u2018reject the construction of a McDonald’s in Stirchley\u2019.<\/p>\n Cassandra Kirk-Gould, who launched the petition, wrote that Stirchley\u2019s spirit was rooted in small businesses and urged residents to \u201cstand together against unwanted, unnecessary developments\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cTogether, we can preserve Stirchley’s independent weirdness and protect the interests of our community,\u201d she said. \u201cPrevent more of the same old stuff you see everywhere moving in.\u201d<\/p>\n The row also saw politicians wade into the debate. The areas\u2019 MP, Al Carns, spoke out against the proposal last year, saying he did not believe that McDonald\u2019s \u201cwould integrate well into Stirchley\u2019s economy\u201d.<\/p>\n Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service<\/a> this week, the Labour MP said he was pleased to hear that McDonald\u2019s had decided not to proceed with its plans.<\/p>\n \u201cI voiced my opposition to the proposal last November after speaking with many residents, small businesses and Councillor Mary Locke,\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn’t believe then, and I don’t believe now, that a McDonald’s would be right for Stirchley or the wider area.\u201d<\/p>\n He went on to say that Stirchley is home to many \u201cfantastic\u201d independent businesses that provide high-quality services for residents.<\/p>\n \u201cThese businesses keep money in our local economy and contribute to our community,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cI will continue to support and champion these local heroes who all play their part in making Stirchley the brilliant and unique place it is.\u201d<\/p>\n READ MORE: <\/strong>Eight safety precautions Birmingham residents can take during bin strike – including child warning<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Several residents were similarly pleased, with Sajid Mehmood saying: \u201cGood decision – now we need more trees, green belts and playing areas.\u201d<\/p>\n Deborah Suzanne said: \u201cSomething for the youth would be great, seeing as they lost a bowling alley and a very popular gym.<\/p>\n \u201cHopefully not another food place, surely there\u2019s only so much eating people can do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe last thing the world needs is another Mcdonald\u2019s,\u201d Simeon Thaw said.<\/p>\n Chris Lepkowski reacted by saying: \u201cAll those fantastic places to eat – why lower the tone with a McDonald’s?\u201d<\/p>\n Others questioned whether it was a missed opportunity in terms of the local jobs or cheap food and drink products that would have been on offer.<\/p>\n Cheryl Homer said: \u201cWhile I\u2019m pleased about this, let\u2019s not lose sight of the fact that there are residents here who cannot afford a cup of tea on our high street anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n Residents last year also spoke positively<\/a> about the investment McDonald\u2019s would have put into the area as well as the convenience for those with children.<\/p>\n The online consultation page launched last year said the benefits of a local McDonald\u2019s would have included around 100 new jobs; the regeneration of a vacant brownfield site and a multi-million-pound investment into the Stirchley area.<\/p>\n It said there would have been a \u201ccarefully planned internal queuing system\u201d to regulate traffic as well as recycling and waste facilities to encourage disposal of rubbish and reduce littering.<\/p>\n READ MORE: <\/strong>Birmingham residents make demand amid \u2018outrageous\u2019 update on council crisis inquiry<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n![\"McDonald's](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1_WhatsApp-Image-2024-11-22-at-143839jpeg.jpg\")
McDonald’s was proposing to build a new restaurant and drive-through on land off Hazelwell Lane, Stirchley(Image: Alexander Brock)<\/p>\n![\"Al](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1_Op-Courage-Al-Carns1.jpg\")
Al Carns, Minister for Veterans and People, at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust. PIC: Ministry of Defence<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/1_JS304795879.jpg\")
A general view of Stirchley(Image: Martin O’Callaghan\/Birmingham Live)<\/p>\n