McDonalds applies for golden arches

Chain wants permission for signs

GLOBAL fast food chain McDonalds is preparing to open its latest restaurant in Hinckley.

Permission has been sought to put up a number of signs, including the iconic ‘golden arches’ at the site off Dodwells Road, just metres from the roundabout.

The main ‘totem’ will feature three panels with the arches on top and various other advertising hoardings are planned to highlight menu items and provide directions for patrons.

The 24-hour drive thru was given the go-ahead on appeal after being turned down initially by planning committee members at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.

They had turned down the scheme twice saying the outlet would generate extra traffic on an already congested junction and would impede on the operations of an adjacent industrial unit.

However, on appeal a Government inspector rejected the councillors reasoning and concluded the proposal would have no significant effect on highway safety, nor impinge on the working practices of the business next door.

The two-storey fast food joint will be the second McDonald’s on the relief road - Hinckley’s existing restaurant is further along the A47 Normandy Way heading out to Earl Shilton.

McDonalds does have to comply to a number of conditions including creating a ghost island right turning lane - an area hatched off to separate traffic - to mitigate queues on Dodwells Road as well as provision of central pedestrian refuges. Both require widening of the existing carriageway.

The original application was refused by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council planning committee members, against the advice of officers, in March 2015.

Two local residents’ association groups objected and a number of protest letters were also received. Neither Highways England nor Leicestershire County Council offered any objections.

It is thought some 65 jobs will be created through the development.

McDonald’s initially wanted to build the fast food outlet in 2014 with a different orientation and a left-hand turn only exit directly onto the A5 just before you get to Dodwells Island. This was rejected.