A councillor has welcomed plans for a new McDonald's branch in Haverhill which gained council approval.
Aaron Luccarini, who represents Haverhill Central on West Suffolk Council, has praised plans, approved by Braintree District Council, for the fast-food chain to build a drive-through restaurant on land at Haverhill Business Park.
Proposals for the restaurant include a drive-thru, customer order displays, 48 car parking spaces, play area and a golden arches sign. The restaurant will be able to sit 118 guests.
Mr Luccarini said: "I am pleased to welcome McDonald's to Haverhill. It will bring with it much-needed employment opportunities.
"I am also pleased to have a restaurant servicing the town's bypass, as in that area there is currently a lack of facilities."
The application received a number of objections and complaints, including some related to road safety and access, disturbance of street scene and possible littering.
However, it was recommended for approval by planning officers and, last night, this was granted.
Mr Luccarini, who spoke as a member of the public in favour of the plans at the meeting, said: "If you ask Haverhill residents which shops they’d like to see in Haverhill, you will often get a list that contains McDonald's, so it’s no surprise that this application attracted thousands of combined likes and positive comments across local Facebook groups.
"The restaurant chain has tried multiple times to open in Haverhill, and this time I feel they’ve found the right site.
"Situated just off Haverhill’s by-pass, opposite a hotel, away from housing estates, and surrounded by local employment land, the restaurant will be a welcome addition to Haverhill, serving residents, workers and those travelling past the town as they cross the Essex/Cambridgeshire/Suffolk border."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here