Britain’s smallest county is to get its first McDonald’s drive-thru – despite objections from people and groups including the local Oakham In Bloom group.
The burger chain gained planning permission last night to build a branch in Rutland – the last county in England without a McDonald’s .
More than 50 objections were made against the plans with some suggesting the “unsightly” development would increase litter, impact other traders and even undermine “The Rutland Brand”.
Others feared it would increase anti-social behaviour and devalue local houses in a picturesque town of Oakham, while one person opposed the plans “purely for who they are and what they stand for”.
In a submission included in the planning officer’s report, Oakham In Bloom’s chairman said the all-volunteer charity felt obliged to object to the application on the terms the application had set out.
Commenting on the original planning application, the group’s submission stated: “In our opinion the landscaping would create a stark and ugly environment for people that would be incongruous with its surroundings.
“It would have a negative effect on the town. Such eyesores, once built will be there for decades.”
McDonald’s said it would create 65 jobs and meet demand from the public. There were 23 submissions in support of the plan.
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Edward Baines, chairman of Rutland County Council’s planning committee, told members of the public the issue was “one of land usage and not the grounds of the applicant”.
After planning offices said it should go-ahead, councillors eventually gave the nod after an hour of debate.
The planners report said: “The design and layout of the proposal is appropriate in the area.
“Natural and neutral colours and materials will be used on the building and the size and design of the building would not have an adverse impact on the surrounding area or the amenities of nearby residential properties.
“The site represents an appropriate location for a drive-thru restaurant.”
McDonald’s staged a consultation event in Oakham in May last year, which was attended by almost 400 people.
The chain’s plans to develop the “wasteland” site off Lands End Way include a 6.75 metre-high sign, odour control measures, and patrols to collect litter in the local area.
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The successful applicant, Martin Cuthbert, who will become the manager of the franchise, 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 he was expecting the restaurant to attract customers from “both Oakham and passing traffic – and particularly people visiting Rutland Water”.
McDonald’s has agreed to use stone on parts of the exterior of the single-storey drive-thru, as well as khaki green, timber-effect aluminium to achieve a “subtle natural feel” to the building.
A McDonald’s spokesperson said: “We are delighted that the Rutland Planning Committee has approved our application for a new restaurant in Oakham.
“Over the last year, we carried out an extensive consultation process, speaking to local residents about our plans and have been heartened by the levels of support we have received.
“The new McDonald’s will create at least 65 new jobs for local people, and we’re excited about working alongside the local community.”