McDonald’s Press On with Plans To Open a Drive-Through at Nature Reserve Site

Published on: 13 Feb, 2026
Updated on: 14 Feb, 2026

Tice’s Meadow – a site rich in wildlife

By David Reading

Fast food chain McDonald’s is appealing against Guildford Borough Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a drive-through restaurant on the edge of the Tice’s Meadow nature reserve, between Tongham and Badshot Lea.

The Tice’s Meadow Bird Group (TMBG) has raised major concerns about the impact the development might have on protected species and habitats in the nature reserve.

They have raised specific worries about the increase in traffic, highway safety, light pollution, noise pollution, litter and smells.

Map showing location of Tice’s Meadow. Apple Maps

The site falls within the Tongham Services on the junction of the A31 and A331, which already accommodates a number of food outlets including Leon, Subway and Starbucks.

The council rejected the fast food chain’s proposal in July 2025 over fears that it would “result in the erosion of the countryside”. The council is also concerned about the flood risk posed by the development.

Little egret at Tice’s Meadow.

The Guildford Dragon NEWS reported in 2024 that more than 5,500 people had signed the petition launched by the TMBG to protest against the plans.

The plans for the restaurant will now go before the Government’s Planning Inspectorate and decided at a date to be confirmed.

McDonald’s has insisted there is strong demand for a new restaurant in the local area and has assured local people the new drive-through will be good for the local economy in terms of job creation.

Tice’s Meadow is a community-led nature reserve on the site of the former Farnham Quarry, covering 150 acres. The habitats on site consist of a mosaic of open water, gravel islands and scrapes, reed beds, scrub, woodland, ephemeral ponds and wet and dry grassland.

The site is designated a Site of Nature Conservation Interest, and is registered as an Asset of Community Value with both Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils.

The site was bought by Surrey County Council in December 2021, with funding from Hampshire County Council, Guildford Borough Council, Rushmoor Borough Council, Waverley Borough Council, and Farnham Town Council.