Our campaign to protect Gunton Meadow nature reserve from the damaging effects of a proposal to build a McDonald’s drive-through restaurant on land next door resulted in 59 objections being submitted to East Suffolk Council by local members and other local people. We are very grateful for the level of support we received from people who value their precious open spaces and wildlife. 

Although we would have preferred the Council to refuse the application we are very pleased that the comments submitted by ourselves and others have resulted in some substantial changes to avoid or mitigate damage to wildlife. The main one was to move the development 10 metres further away from the pond on the edge of the reserve which supports amphibians. Most of the rest are specified in the 26 conditions placed on the permission by the Council, including a requirement to submit a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP) to ensure that the long-term ecological value of the site is maintained and enhanced,  improved fencing to prevent litter and trespass onto the reserve, tight controls over drainage to prevent any water borne pollution affecting the reserve, a plan for external lighting which will minimise light spill affecting wildlife, and regular litter patrols. If you were one of the people who wrote to the Council you have helped to get these rigorous conditions imposed to protect wildlife; thank you.