McDonald’s has opened its latest drive-thu in Britain’s smallest county – despite objections from residents and community groups about its impact on the picturesque area.
The burger chain has opened the new restaurant on the outskirts of the market town of Oakham after gaining planning permission – in the face of a hard-fought campaign from protestors – earlier this year.
More than 50 objections were made against the plans with some suggesting the “unsightly” development would impact other traders and even undermine the “Rutland Brand”.
Others feared it would devalue local house prices in the town, while one person opposed the plans “purely for who they are and what they stand for”.
The Oakham In Bloom’s chairman said the all-volunteer charity also felt obliged to object,
Rutland County Council had 23 letters supporting the plan from residents, saying it would add to the dining choices available, and the new 24-hour restaurant has created 65 jobs.
In-line with the latest lockdown restrictions McDonald’s has closed all its dining areas, but the chain continues to provide takeaway and drive-thru services.
The restaurant is owned and operated by McDonald’s franchisee Glyn Pashley, who said: “We are delighted to be opening in Oakham, making this restaurant the first in Rutland, and we’re so looking forward to seeing our new and existing local customers at the restaurant.
“We’d like to thank our customers in advance for their support and patience as we navigate and adapt to these different ways of working.”
McDonald’s had staged a consultation event about the planning application in Oakham in May last year, which was attended by almost 400 people.
Earlier this year the successful applicant, Martin Cuthbert, said he was “confident now is the right time to open a restaurant” in Oakham, describing the fast food chain as “safe and family-friendly”.
Mr Cuthbert said the restaurant would attract customers from “both Oakham and passing traffic – and particularly people visiting Rutland Water”.
