Burger giant McDonald's withdraws restaurant plans

Burger giant McDonald's has withdrawn its planning application for a second restaurant in a south of Scotland town.

Dumfries and Galloway Council (DGC) was being recommended to reject the proposals for a new development on the Annan Road in Dumfries when it met on Wednesday.

Planning officers recommended refusal of the bid due to its visual impact and the failure to demonstrate that a more "appropriate site" could not be found.

The firm said the application - which it says constitutes a £4m investment - had been withdrawn but it remained committed to opening a second site in the town.

The company said it planned to submit a fresh application in the new year.

In light of the feedback raised in the committee report the fast food firm said it had withdrawn the application so it could address the issues highlighted.

Andrew Crewther, senior acquisitions manager at McDonald's, said the chain was "disappointed" by the recommendation for refusal.

But he added: "We have been extremely encouraged by the positive feedback we've received from the community, and we remain committed to delivering a second restaurant in Dumfries.

"A new planning application will be submitted to DGC in the new year."