Planners approve town's first McDonald's

Plans for a McDonald's in a market town have been approved despite concerns over the potential for noise, traffic and litter.

A report recommended that North Norfolk councillors give permission for 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.

McDonald's said the restaurant – which would be in retail units that are currently empty – would create up to 120 full and part-time jobs.

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

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".

The plan was put forward by Kevin Foley, who already owns 13 branches of McDonald's in Norfolk as a franchisee.

He told a meeting of North Norfolk District Council's development committee that his staff "take pride in being part of our local communities".

He added that they would carry out daily litter patrols in the area.

Councillors approved the plan on the condition that McDonald's must pay towards the cost of extra litter bins near the site for the next 15 years.

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