In Schoonbroek, part of the Antwerp municipality of Retie, more than 1,500 objections have already been collected against the arrival of American fast-food chain McDonald’s. The campaign group ‘Ruimte voor Schoonbroek’ (Space for Schoonbroek) believes the proposed site is unsuitable. “The 10,000 m² site is also out of keeping with our quiet, liveable village,” says Paul Quirynen. In two weeks’ time, the objections will be handed in at the local council meeting.
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Plans for a McDonald’s in Flemish village triggers deluge of complaints
In July, it emerged that fast-food chain McDonald’s had submitted an application to build a new restaurant in Schoonbroek. This immediately caused concern in the village. Retie local council reacted with caution.
The action group ‘Ruimte voor Schoonbroek’ began collecting objections and, with a week to go, the total now stands at more than 1,500. That is a substantial number when you consider that the parish itself has a population of around 1,200.
“We are not against McDonald’s as a company,” says Paul Quirynen, a member of the action group, who admits that he does occasionally buy a milkshake at another branch. “Here in Schoonbroek, it’s simply a matter of the location and the scale. They don’t fit in with our quiet village.”
According to Quirynen, local residents are concerned about their housing prospects. “That area would be ideal to give local residents the chance to continue living here affordably. I’m not just talking about young people, but also about elderly people living alone who currently live in large houses. They say they would like to downsize, for example into a new-build development, but still remain in the same welcoming neighbourhood close to their family in Schoonbroek.”
Increased traffic and litter
Quirynen understands that McDonald’s has set its sights on Schoonbroek because the village is not far from the motorway. “We’re simply fighting to preserve the peace and space in our village. A fast-food restaurant like that, with its associated charging points, also attracts a lot of traffic, and that’s what we’re worried about.”
According to the action committee, the objections received from surrounding villages show that litter is also an issue. “McDonald’s does commit to keeping the immediate vicinity of the restaurant clean. But the reality is that the litter isn’t found on the verges next to the restaurant, but in the hamlets or residential areas further afield.”
The action group is collecting online objections until 16 October; these will then be symbolically handed over to Retie municipal council on 20 October.
Over the past two years, the construction of new McDonald’s branches has also been controversial in places across Flanders including in Brecht, Bouwel, Herselt and Lille.