October 14th 2024.
Rachel Laidler has expressed her strong feelings about the recent actions of McDonald's. She has been left feeling furious after the fast food chain built a large ditch right next to her garden and caused damage to her wall. The construction of a new restaurant and car park on the site of a former establishment had initially seemed like a positive development for the area, but things took a turn for the worse when the company deviated from the agreed plans and placed a water tank too close to Rachel's property.
As a result of this, Rachel, who is 55 years old and runs a soft furnishings company, took matters into her own hands and put up a huge banner in her garden. The banner reads, "We're not loving it," a clear indication of her dissatisfaction with the situation. Despite her love for the sounds of children enjoying their Happy Meals, Rachel has reached her limit and insists she is not simply being a NIMBY (Not In My Backyard).
Initially, Rachel and her husband Peter, who is 70 years old, had a good relationship with the contractors working on the site. However, things began to take a negative turn when the workers dug a large ditch just 6 feet away from the couple's bedroom. This was particularly difficult for Peter, who was undergoing intense treatment for throat cancer at the time. While he occasionally helped the builders when his health allowed, the couple tried their best to carry on with their lives without constantly worrying about the construction happening next door.
However, their efforts were in vain when the contractors damaged their wall while digging the hole for the water tank. This led to Rachel and Peter having to build a protective fence around their property, which Rachel describes as a "fortress." She reached out to Bradford Council about the issue, but feels that they have not taken appropriate action. A spokesperson for the fast food chain has stated that they followed all necessary procedures and have committed to repairing the damaged fence. However, Rachel remains skeptical and put up her banner to draw attention to the situation.
Rachel is not the only one facing such issues, as she believes similar problems are happening all over the country. She also fears that if the Labour government goes ahead with their plan to overhaul the planning system, disputes like this will become more common. She feels that her voice, along with those of other residents, is not being heard or represented in any way. A spokesperson for McDonald's has stated that the water tank was moved due to unforeseen circumstances, but experts have assured them that it does not cause any harm to the neighbors or the surrounding area. They are also working with the planning authority and have committed to repairing the damaged fence.
The spokesperson for Bradford Council has confirmed that they are aware of the issue and are in discussions with the owners' representatives. A retrospective planning application is currently being prepared, and the council will consider it after receiving it, giving residents a chance to voice their opinions. Rachel's concerns about the lack of representation and the potential for similar disputes to arise in the future if planning restrictions are eased by the government are valid and should be taken into consideration. It remains to be seen what steps will be taken to resolve this issue and ensure that Rachel and other residents are not left feeling ignored or powerless.
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