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McDonald’s has announced plans for a new drive-thru restaurant, at land currently used as a car dealership, off the A472 in Maesycwmmer – but questions have been raised over traffic levels.

The global fast food chain, which already has restaurants in Blackwood, Newbridge, Caerphilly, and one near Pontymister, has said the site will create 135 part-time and full-time jobs and will generate between £50,000 and £60,000 in business rates.

A public consultation has been launched by McDonald’s, ahead of a formal planning application to Caerphilly County Borough Council. This is running until midnight, Wednesday November 19.

Residents have also been invited to give their views and ask questions at an in-person event on Tuesday November 11 between 3pm and 7pm at Maesycwmmer Community Centre.

The planned McDonald’s will have a total of 40 car parking spaces, and will include two accessible bays, four electric vehicle charging points, as well as four motorcycle parking spaces and three cycle spaces. 

Rebecca Ross, project manager at McDonald’s, said: “Our plans to transform the former Colin Price Cars and The Car Centre Maesycwmmer dealershisp into a vibrant new McDonald’s restaurant and drive-thru represent an exciting opportunity for Maesycwmmer.

“This redevelopment will breathe new life into a well-connected location, creating a welcoming destination for local residents and visitors alike.”

She added: “We encourage all residents to come to our public consultation event on Tuesday November 11 at Maesycwmmer Community Centre to meet the project team and find out about the plans.”

The consultation website can be accessed at mcdonaldsconsultation.co.uk/maesycwmmer

Traffic concerns

Opinion to the proposals has been negative, with residents voicing their concerns on social media over a potential increase in traffic on a busy, and already congested, road.

According to McDonald’s, the planning application will have a ‘Transport Assessment’ which will look at traffic levels.

Caerphilly Observer understands that any application may also have an element where McDonald’s could end up paying for road improvements near the site to improve traffic flow.

However residents have also voiced worries over an increase in litter.