A PLANNING inspectorate public inquiry has started to consider an appeal by McDonald’s which wants to turn a pub into a drive-thru restaurant.

In December last year Bromley Council backed protesters by turning down the application for the Broomwood pub in Sevenoaks Way.

At the time, protesters said increased traffic would make the junction of Sevenoaks Way and Broomwood Road more dangerous, and the restaurant’s proposed 6am to midnight opening hours would disturb people living nearby.

Since submitting its initial application, Bramwood Taverns Ltd, which put forward the proposal, has amended the opening hours to close at 11pm.

Although it was recommended for approval by planning officers, when the matter went to committee it was refused.

Giving evidence at the inquiry today was a development and control engineer from the council’s transport and highways section.

Mike Hammond told the inspector about potential traffic problems arising through cars queuing to use the drive-thru, parking problems and possible issues concerning deliveries to McDonald’s.

Chief of planning at the council, Bob McQuillan also gave evidence. He raised concerns about ‘immeasurable’ noise pollution caused by car doors slamming and noise from car windows being wound down to place orders.

Over the course of the three day inquiry, residents who opposed the proposal will also be presenting their objections.

The appellant’s barrister, David Cooper, asked secretary of the Little Chislewick Residents' Association Colin Willetts if the objections were against a McDonald’s restaurant or against the loss of a run down pub.

Mr Cooper said: “What if I tell you the pub is not a viable entity and will become something else?”

Mr Willetts replied: “This is a viable public house. It has been deliberately run down by Bramwood Taverns. You don’t want it to be viable so that you can turn it into a drive-thru.

“Bramwood can’t even be bothered to cut the grass and it hasn’t even been painted over.”

The inquiry continues and is scheduled to finish on Thursday. Inspector Rebecca Phillips is expected to return her report within six weeks.