Plans for the construction of a new McDonald’s restaurant on Ashgrove Road West in Aberdeen have raised significant concerns. The proposed site, currently occupied by the former Rosehill Day Centre, lies above two high voltage cables integral to the power supply of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) and much of the city. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has warned that any development could potentially damage these "fragile" cables, which are critical to maintaining uninterrupted power to the hospital and surrounding areas.
A public meeting to discuss the proposal saw considerable opposition, with 295 objections and 33 letters of support. Concerns voiced included potential traffic delays for ambulances based nearby, although the removal of a drive-thru lane and installation of safety features led to the Scottish Ambulance Service withdrawing its objection. However, SSEN's concerns about the integrity of the underground cables remain unresolved, with fears that construction could lead to serious power supply issues for ARI.
McDonald’s representatives highlighted potential benefits, including the creation of over 120 jobs and making the new branch Scotland's first net-zero restaurant. The debate continues as stakeholders seek a solution that protects the vital electricity infrastructure while considering the proposed development's economic benefits.