Fulford Road- Iceland plans approved after McDonald’s plans

City of York Council has approved Dalian Properties Ltd’s plans to divide the empty Iceland, in Fulford Road, into three units.

Council planning officers stated the plans would not harm the wider Fulford Road area or have a material impact on cycling and parking spaces at the site shared with Aldi.

But comments lodged about the plans included concerns that national chains could open in the units, eroding the identity of the area and fuelling traffic.

Approval of the plans comes after the council refused an application to convert the empty supermarket into a McDonald’s drive-thru in October 2024.

RECOMMENDED READING:

The plans were blocked on public health grounds, with council officials saying the opening of a fast food restaurant would undermine the promotion of healthy lifestyles near three schools.

McDonald’s application sparked a backlash from locals who claimed it would lead to noise, odour and traffic problems.

The latest plans submitted in November are set to see the building split into three units measuring 118sqm, 248sqm and 181sqm.

They could be turned into shops, cafés, banks, gyms and other businesses falling under class E use under planning permission granted by the council.

Class E does not include hot food takeaways.

No details about the future use of the units were included in the plans.

Iceland on Fulford Road (Image: Newsquest)

Three of the 14 parking spaces currently outside the building are set to be lost as part of the development.

Comments lodged about the plans include concerns about the development attracting more traffic and the loss of parking spaces at the site the building shares with Aldi.

They also claimed Fulford Road identity could be further eroded if national chains moved into the building or a business causing similar issues to the refused McDonald’s could open there.

Separately, works to expand the neighbouring Aldi are ongoing following their approval in May last year.