Jobs boost as Mcdonald’s given green light despite opposition

Controversial plans for a Mcdonald’s drive-thru restaurant close to a residential area in Fife have been given the go-ahead despite attracting huge opposition locally.

Councillors have approved plans for the new two-storey fast food outlet at the Tesco store at Turnstone Road in Duloch, which will create 65 new jobs.

The application attracted over 170 letters of objection and just three in favour of the development, with many of the concerns centred on loss of amenity for nearby residents and the negative impact on traffic and the surrounding road infrastructure.

Concerns were also raised about the increase of litter, noise, public health and the possibility of increased levels of anti-social behaviour in the area.

Councillor Ian Ferguson said the development would create gridlock on the local road infrastructure at peak times as well as safety issues both for motorists and pedestrians.

He said: “I expect bank holidays and at Christmas time to be severely impacted, with any spare car park capacity taken up, which would create gridlock.

“I’m not happy with the application and I have reluctance to accept the transport assessment which seems to just shrug and say it will be OK.”

However, planning officers advised councillors there would be spare capacity at peak times at the adjacent Tesco supermarket even though the new drive-thru would take up 67 spaces.

Ahead of a vote, Councillor John Beare warned colleagues that despite concerns, there were no planning reasons to refuse the proposal.

The application was approved by 11 votes to three, with an added amendment to restrict delivery and opening times to between 6am and

The new fast food drive-thru will create 65 jobs.