Burger King plans to open branch in Wolverhampton

A petrol station car wash would be demolished to make way for the new restaurant in Cannock Road.

But the proposals have caused anger among residents, who are launching a petition against the development. Proposals going before Wolverhampton City Council's planning committee next week are for a 30-seat Burger King diner to be created in Fallings Park with 20 parking spaces, creating 12 full-time and 17 part-time jobs.

If approved, it would be the only Burger King in Wolverhampton. A former branch in the city's Dudley Street closed in 2006.

The Applegreen filling station would remain open and the convenience store on the same site would be revamped to include space for the restaurant's kitchens, seating and toilets.

But residents and councillors are objecting to the plan amid concerns that the area is overdeveloped and that it would lead to traffic problems. A 20-name petition has been submitted.

Applicant Applegreen-Petrogas has said it will work to improve the access to the site and avoid queuing in Cannock Road by starting the drive-through lane at the entrance of the site.

The restaurant would open 9am to 11pm every day.

Councillor Steve Evans, who represents Fallings Park, said: "I will be objecting to this application. Anyone who knows this garage will know that at most times throughout the day, cars struggle to get on and off the site.

"I think that this area is already very well served for takeaway restaurants."

Council planning officer Andy Carter is recommending that the application be approved and said: "The proposed development is within an existing centre at a 24-hour petrol filling station.

"The layout and off-site highway works would ensure no significant resultant congestion."

The plans have been announced as McDonalds in Wolverhampton city centre shut its doors for a refurbishment. The diner will partially reopen on March 11 before a full relaunch in April.

Abdul Sirkhot, the franchisee of the branch, said: "The restaurant on Dudley Street which first opened in 1981 is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment."