25 YEARS AGO: Falmouth planners turn down McDonalds

Falmouth planners have sided with residents opposing plans to open a McDonald's Burger Bar at the entrance to the town.

The burger giants have applied for permission to build a free-standing restaurant and drive-through facility on the former Mitchell and Webber site on the Dracaena Avenue.

Town clerk Eric Dawkins told members of the planning committee that McDonald's had submitted two applications in tandem. Councillors were told there had been several letters of objection received by the planning department

Councillor Linsey Cottington said: "While I have no objection to a McDonald's, I certainly do not think this is the right place. I would be much happier to see it in the town centre."

More than £23 million could be spent up-grading Falmouth in the next few years - but only if plans for a multi-storey car park go ahead and the waterfront Church Street car park closes.

But this announcement by Paul Kidwell-Talbot, chief executive of Carrick Council, did not placate the 300 plus people who crammed into King Charles church hall last week.

In what was at times a rowdy meeting, representatives from the county, district and town council were left in no uncertain terms as to the opinions of people living in the area

The meeting heard that the car park was vitally important for Falmouth. Without it traffic calming measures would not be able to go ahead in the surrounding area, the main shopping streets could not become pedestrianised and the Moor area - the main square of the town - could not be changed.

On the waterfront a walk-way was planned between the Prince of Wale's Pier to beyond Custom House Quay and discussions were also being held over the other waterfront developments.

The Well Lane car park action group said they felt the car park unnecessary for the town.

It appeared ludicrous to bring cars into the centre via a long route through residential streets at a time when, environmentally, efforts were being made to keep traffic to a minimum.