McDonald's new site on main road gets approval

Plans for a new drive-through McDonald's on a main road in Kent have been approved despite some residents' claims there was "no need" for one.

The fast-food chain tabled plans to launch at the A2 London-bound Gate Services at Dunkirk, between Faversham and Canterbury, on the site of a former Travelodge hotel.

The 79-seat eatery will be next to an existing Costa Coffee.

Swale Borough Council's planning committee voted on Thursday to approve the plans, with 10 councillors in favour and four against.

Charlie Brown, acting as a planning agent for McDonald's, implored the committee to back the proposals, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"The application will help redevelop a brownfield site, enhancing the existing service area, creating over 100 new jobs across a range of full and part time roles," he said.

But Faversham resident Sarah Moakes said the site would "attract horrendous traffic, especially at tea-time" and would be a "magnet for antisocial behaviour".

Councillor Rich Lehmann said: "Whilst new jobs are welcome we must also consider whether this employment genuinely offsets the potential negative impact on existing local businesses – especially independent food outlets in Faversham."

Councillor Ben Martin said: "Based on what we have here I cannot see a reason to reject which would stand up to the scrutiny of an inspector."

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