Rutland McDonald's application approved

15-Jan-2020 - Last updated on 27-Apr-2021 at 12:42 GMT

Rutland in the East Midlands is to become the last county in England to be conquered by the Golden Arches after McDonald’s was granted planning permission to build a site there.

The decision, which was made by Rutland County Council’s planning committee last night (14 January), will see a 24-hour McDonald’s drive-thru open on the outskirts of the town of Oakham.

Rutland, which is the country’s smallest county, had previously held the unique accolade of not having either a Burger King, KFC or McDonald’s restaurant.

Indeed, McDonald’s faced a flurry of criticism after submitting its planning application in June last year, with some locals saying they feared the arrival of US fast food giant would damage the local economy; lead to an increase in litter in the area; and cause a drop in house prices.

In their report recommending councillors approve the plan, council planning officers noted that 55 of 78 representations received from residents regarding the application had opposed it.

Others, however, welcomed the proposals, with Oakham's mayor David Romney saying at the time that he believed the arrival of McDonald’s will lift the town out of the "Dark Ages".

According to the BBC, residents who supported the application also argued that the town needed more employment and entertainment for young people in the area.

McDonald's has responded to the council’s decision saying it was "delighted", adding that the plans would create "at least 65 new jobs for local people".

It currently operates around 1,300 restaurants and employs approximately 120,00 people across the UK.