BMJ Investigations Unit empowers councils to challenge fast food planning decisions
An exclusive BMJ investigation has uncovered how McDonald’s is systematically undermining councils’ efforts to block new outlets—particularly in deprived areas of England, where rates of childhood obesity are alarmingly high.
Based on freedom of information requests to the Planning Inspectorate, The BMJ found that McDonald’s has lodged 14 planning appeals in the past five years—and lost just one. Its goal is to overturn local decisions grounded in public health policy. In one 2024 case in Norwich, the company argued that drive-through customers could order salads or “under 400 calorie” meals, and even arrive on foot or by bike—despite the location being next to a busy ring road. The appeal was upheld; Norwich’s tenth McDonald’s will open before the end of 2025.
The BMJ investigations team also discovered that the fast food giant has used various tactics to win appeals and deflect criticism. These include:
Deploying a specialist GP to argue that obesity is caused by “over a hundred” other factors, not fast food
Highlighting low-calorie menu items and community ties such as football sponsorships
Threatening councils with legal costs, accusing them of acting “unreasonably” when rejecting applications
In Mansfield, McDonald’s successfully argued that proximity to schools wasn’t a public health concern because “children are likely to visit with a supervising adult who can support responsible choices.” The branch opened in December 2023 with backing from the local youth football team—whose kit now carries McDonald’s branding.
Local authorities—already stretched and anxious about legal costs—are increasingly reluctant to challenge applications, even when they contradict their own health policies.
Dr Amelia Lake, professor in public health nutrition, said:
“It’s a perfect storm. A well-organised, financially-fuelled machine can go in and present evidence that might sway an inspector.”
The BMJ investigation, funded by Impact on Urban Health, also revealed that since 2020, McDonald’s has objected to 15 new local proposals to restrict fast food outlets near schools or in high-obesity zones—policies designed to protect the health of children and young people.
In a linked opinion piece, Alice Wiseman, Vice President of the Association of Directors of Public Health, calls for stronger, population-level regulation of harmful products:
“Cross-industry tactics to block legislation that would protect public health can make counter efforts an uphill battle.”
This evidence-based journalism has sparked national debate. The story was featured in the Guardian, BBC News and Times Radio, with Jennifer Dixon and Greg Fell, president of the Association of Directors of Public Health, calling for urgent reform.
This is an example of how The BMJ’s reporting can reignite national debate and get backing from health leaders. In this case, it has empowered local authorities with new evidence to challenge industry tactics and defend public health policies. Calls are growing for planning reform to put community wellbeing above corporate influence.
