Planners set to approve town's first McDonald's

Plans for a McDonald's in a market town are expected to be given the go ahead, despite concerns over the potential for noise and traffic.

A report recommends that North Norfolk councillors approve the drive-through restaurant to open in Fakenham, behind the town's branch of Lidl.

The authority's environmental health department initially objected to the plan over noise issues, but said it would withdraw the objection as long as the restaurant was not open 24 hours a day.

Four members of the public have objected, with one asking planners to "keep the big golden arches out of our sleepy town".

According to the report for councillors, McDonald's has claimed the restaurant – which would be in currently empty retail units – would create up to 120 full and part-time jobs.

The council's economic manager said they supported the plan because it would create more employment.

However, one neighbour objected with concerns including increased traffic, litter and competition for local businesses – whilst another warned of the potential for "havoc on the roads".

Despite that, the report for the council's development committee recommended approval.

It also recommended that McDonald's must pay towards the cost of extra litter bins near the site for the next 15 years.

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