The Forest of Dean may soon welcome its first KFC drive-thru as plans for a new restaurant on Perrygrove Road, just outside Coleford, advance toward approval. The proposal, which also includes two industrial units on the nearly half-acre site, is scheduled for review by Forest of Dean District Council planners on April 14. This follows a previous attempt in 2023 to establish a KFC alongside a Greggs outlet, which was rejected.
The planned drive-thru would provide seating for 38 customers and feature a designated area for collecting home delivery orders. Developer NNA Ltd anticipates creating 35 jobs through the project, including 12 full-time and 23 part-time positions.
Access to the location would be via Perrygrove Road, with approximately 45 parking spaces and two large order bays available for temporary parking. The proposal also includes walkway upgrades aimed at ensuring the development is sustainable and well-integrated within the community.
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Currently, Forest of Dean residents must travel to Ross-on-Wye, Gloucester, or Tewkesbury to visit their nearest KFC. However, the prospect of a local branch has met resistance from some community members. Thirteen residents have formally objected, citing concerns over litter, anti-social behaviour, increased traffic congestion, air pollution, unpleasant odours, and potential invasions of privacy affecting nearby homes and gardens.
One objector, Stephen McAuliffe, expressed worries about environmental degradation and social issues: “There is already an issue with waste from existing fast food outlets locally and thrown out of vehicle windows throughout the forest, blighting the beauty of the forest. Adding a KFC to that will massively increase roadside refuse. Anti-social behaviour, including littering, abusive conduct, and reckless driving, may be exacerbated. The development could also become a hotspot for drug use. We should be promoting healthy eating rather than introducing more low-cost junk food, especially given the area’s existing health challenges.”
In response, the developers maintain that the proposal aligns with planning policies. Consultants emphasize that the drive-thru would offer economic benefits through job creation, provide environmental improvements including a 10 percent biodiversity net gain, and ensure sustainable access with thoughtfully designed vehicular and pedestrian infrastructure.
They assert that the development is justified, acceptable in planning terms, and would bring benefits to Coleford and surrounding villages.
Forest of Dean planning officers have recommended granting delegated permission, concluding that the proposed development is sustainable, acceptable, and that its advantages outweigh the potential drawbacks.