New McDonald’s Drive-Thru Moves Closer To Opening In Lake After Planning Approval

It could be Happy Meals all round as a new multi-million-pound ‘drive-thru’ McDonald’s restaurant moves a step closer to opening on the edge of a large Isle of Wight village.

County Hall has formally approved a planning application from the fast-food giant for an outlet next to Newport Road in Lake, including car parking, landscaping and associated works, and now local residents could see a 'McFlurry' of activity around the site.

The local authority’s planning committee voted for the proposal at a meeting last July, with economic benefits and Bay Area regeneration cited as grounds in favour.

A legal agreement has now been published on the council’s planning portal, including covenants for the developer and owner to pay County Hall a financial contribution relating to biodiversity.

McDonald’s agent, Planware, previously said the development will provide ‘over 120 jobs’ for the community and represents a multi-million-pound investment.

They cite other benefits including meeting customer demand and introducing extra choice in the market.

County Hall’s consent goes against a previous officer recommendation to refuse the facility.

A committee report written last year said the application failed to meet policy requirements on health implications.

It also cited an adverse impact on neighbouring property, the development’s location outside of a designated town centre, insufficient archaeology information and lack of a legal agreement for environmental improvements.

The council’s consent includes 24 conditions, for reasons including planning policy and legal compliance, environmental protection, the interests of highway safety, heritage preservation and residential amenity, and preventing annoyance and disturbance.