Plans for new McDonald's drive-thru in Dumfries recommended for refusal

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Planning bosses are not lovin’ the idea of a new McDonald’s in Dumfries.The burger barons have been working on a proposal for a £4 million drive thru on Annan Road.However, a report for next week’s planning applications committee recommends the plans are refused as a potentially more suitable site is available.Concerns over people accessing the site by car, rather than on foot, and the development creating an “unduly detrimental visual impact” are also cited as reasons for the recommendation.McDonald’s currently has a drive-thru on Lochside Road but earlier this year unveiled plans to develop an area near the Premier Inn on the outskirts of Dumfries.The fast good giants claims the scheme will create 120 jobs and also includes plans for nearly 50 parking spaces, electric vehicle charging bays and recycling and waste facilities.A report for Wednesday’s planning meeting reveals there have been eight objections – some from local residents, one from a business and two from further afield in Dumfries and Galloway.Concerns raised include the impact on the environment, increased traffic, littering noise and the claim that “Dumfries is awash with fast food and unhealthy eating establishments as well as ‘convenience stores’".Nearly 50 letters of support have been received, highlighting the jobs and investment as well as the claim it would “regenerate what is currently under-utilised land”.Case officer Claire Eckstein’s report notes that an assessment of the town centre by McDonald’s revealed there were “no suitable alternatives” that could be developed.However, she pointed out that at the last planning meeting in November, councillors granted approval for the development of a drive-thru at the Peel Centre retail park, which she