'Multi-Million-Pound' McDonald's Proposal Win Plaudits

A proposal for a ‘multi-million-pound’ McDonald’s restaurant on the outskirts of an Isle of Wight village is gathering public support.

Islanders have lined up to praise the fast-food giant’s plans for a new branch with a ‘drive thru’ facility off Newport Road in Lake, citing job creation, consumer choice and convenience, the area’s appearance, increased local tax revenue and a boost to the local economy.

Comments on the public consultation have been overwhelmingly positive.

McDonald’s says the outlet is expected to employ ‘more than 120 full and part-time staff’ which it hopes to ‘recruit from the local area’.

Its application also includes plans for car parking, landscaping and associated works.

Member of the public James Berryman said as part of the consultation:

“I believe this development presents a valuable opportunity for our community, and I urge you to grant the necessary approvals.

“The addition of a new McDonald’s would provide an attractive and modern dining option, catering to the existing demand within the area.”

Mr Berryman added the branch’s contribution to business rates would be “crucial in supporting the provision of essential services”.

Another commenter, Stuart Geddes, said:

“I support this application because it means more jobs, more food options and it’ll be better than what’s currently there.

"Also, if you are having any work done to your vehicle across the road in one of the many businesses it’s somewhere to go wait, grab a coffee and something to eat.”

Not all responses have been quite so positive, however.

James Wainwright said McDonald’s would “trash the Island”, with rubbish generated by the outlet being “discarded in hedgerows and fields”.

Another objector, Edward Joynes, said:

“We should encourage healthy eating and support local businesses and restaurants. The KFC in Lake is always empty – so surely a McDonalds would be the same.”