A McDONALDS drive-through is to open in Stretford after planning bosses gave the proposal their unanimous approval.
The fast food giant is to build its new two-storey restaurant on the site currently occupied by the Drum pub, on Chester Road, which has been derelict for some time.
The decision is likely to be met with delight from many residents after McDonalds closed its Stretford Mall store suddenly in 2009, citing ‘changing trading conditions’.
At a Trafford Council planning committee meeting on April 10, Adam Brand, on behalf of McDonalds, said the drive-through will create many jobs in Stretford.
He also sought to address the concerns of the residents on nearby Vine Court, who had submitted 12 letters on objection on the grounds of increased traffic, anti-social behaviour and noise.
Mr Brand said McDonalds is ‘committed to having a positive impact on the neighbourhood’, stating litter will be collected at least three times a day and the company has always worked with the police to tackle anti-social behaviour.
He also argued the number of cars using the site will make little difference to levels of traffic on the A56.
The council’s chief planning officer, David Pearson, further contended that noise would not be an issue: “The site was last used as a public house and could again be used as a public house.”
Cllr Mike Whetton welcomed the application: “I think there was shock and horror when the Stretford Arndale McDonalds closed, you could hear the sharp intake of breath collectively.”
Cllr Dolores O’Sullivan, who along with fellow ward councillor Tom Ross, has been seeking residents’ opinions on the proposal, said she ‘fully supported’ the application.
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