New rules could block McDonald's near school - MP

11 May 2025

Simon Dedman & Nic Rigby

BBC Politics East

McDonald's said it had contributed £94.5bn to the UK economy since it opened its first restaurant in the country in 1974

BBC A sign for the fast food outlet McDonalds — McDonald's said it had contributed £94.5bn to the UK economy since it opened its first restaurant in the country in 1974

New government rules could help block plans for a McDonald's restaurant near a school, the area's MP has said.

In June 2024, developer Countryside applied for a fast food outlet on the St James' Park development, Hertfordshire, close to Bishop's Stortford High School.

Since the application went in, the new Labour government has announced changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) allowing local authorities to refuse applications for fast food outlets within walking distance of schools.

Labour MP for Hertford and Stortford Josh Dean told BBC Politics East: "This government has amended the NPPF so there'll be a presumption against this type of development."

He added: "I have been very clear that I am opposed to this development and I know a number of residents and councillors share my concerns."

Josh Dean became one of Labour's youngest MPs, taking Hertford and Stortford at the age of 24 in the 2024 General Election

Labour Josh Dean became one of Labour's youngest MPs, taking Hertford and Stortford at the age of 24 in the 2024 General Election — Josh Dean became one of Labour's youngest MPs, taking Hertford and Stortford at the age of 24 in the 2024 General Election

McDonald's said it was working with "local stakeholders" over the plans and was proud of its role in communities.

It said it had contributed £94.5bn to the UK economy since it opened its first restaurant in the country in 1974.

Dale Reeve, the head teacher of Bishop's Stortford High School, said the McDonald's would be a "two minute walk away from our school"

Simon Dedman/BBC The head teacher of Bishop's Stortford High School, Dale Reeve. He has short, brown hair and is wearing a blue jacket, shirt and tie. He is smiling at the camera. Part of the school, a two-storey modern building, can be seen in the background. — Dale Reeve, the head teacher of Bishop's Stortford High School, said the McDonald's would be a "two minute walk away from our school"

Dale Reeve, the head teacher of Bishop's Stortford High School, said: "My biggest concern is obviously the students' health.

"Putting in a McDonald's restaurant a two-minute walk away from our school just places temptation in front of students.

"There will be students who will be able to sit in our classroom and look out and see a McDonald's...

"This easily accessible and largely unhealthy food would be a serious problem for students."

Bishop's Stortford High School in Hertfordshire is on the edge of the town

Simon Dedman/BBC An image of Bishop's Stortford High School in Hertfordshire — Bishop's Stortford High School in Hertfordshire is on the edge of the town

Dr Suzanna Forwood is an associate professor at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge

Suzanna Forwood, Associate Professor, Anglia Ruskin University, at the university — Dr Suzanna Forwood is an associate professor at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge

Psychologist Dr Suzanna Forwood, an associate professor at Anglia Ruskin University, said: "We ban the advertising of the products already.

"So why would we allow the same products to be placed outside schools where children have to go on a daily basis":[]}