Plans to build a third McDonald's in Lowestoft have been given the go-ahead, despite dozens of objections.
The new drive-through restaurant is now set to be built on land south of Leisure Way, in north Lowestoft, after plans were approved by East Suffolk Council.
More than 120 jobs could be created, with planning documents submitted as part of the application saying the proposal represents a "multi-million-pound investment by a national operator in Lowestoft".
However, the plans proved controversial and faced a number of objections, including from Suffolk Wildlife Trust, which expressed its disappointment after the proposal was approved.
The trust expressed concerns about the impact of the development on the neighbouring Gunton Meadow nature reserve, including around light, noise, litter and polluted water contaminating ponds and other sensitive habitats.
Matt Gooch, Suffolk Wildlife Trust site manager, said: "We’re concerned about the potential for this development to impact on wildlife and were pleased that East Suffolk Council recommended the developer consult with us on measures to minimise any harm, so it is really disappointing that this advice has been ignored.
"One of the things we asked the developer to do was install a tall solid fence to reduce light pollution and noise disturbance affecting wildlife in the nature reserve, but they have not spoken to us and are now proposing a much shorter mesh fence that won’t do anything to prevent these impacts.
"We’re still here and we’re not going anywhere, so we’d welcome some dialogue with McDonald’s to make sure what they are doing next door doesn’t harm nature."
The trust did acknowledge, however, changes to the plan following their concerns, including to move the development 10 metres further away from the pond on the edge of the reserve.
The plans were approved by East Suffolk Council's head of planning on December 2 under delegated powers.
An East Suffolk Council spokesman said: "In determining all applications, due weight is given to material planning considerations, including policies within the development plan, as well as any comments received during the consultation period.
"The development was considered acceptable and in compliance with development plan policies and the National Planning Policy Framework.
"Officers worked closely with all key consultees and a comprehensive report was produced to address issues raised in the community.”
The spokesman added the majority of planning decisions are made under delegated authority by planning officers and, while councillors may request an application to be considered by committee, no such request was made during the consultation period.
The proposal split Lowestoft Town Council's planning committee, with chairman Peter Knight having the casting vote to recommend approval after a 3-3 tie.
However, the council reversed this decision last month and called for the plans to be rejected on the grounds of the environmental and ecological impact.
The plans were approved with 26 conditions to be met, covering aspects such as litter management, deliveries and surface water.
Suffolk Wildlife Trust had previously called on people to "help save Gunton Meadow nature reserve" by lodging objections to the council, with dozens writing in.
A supporting statement for the application from agents Planware Ltd, on behalf of McDonald's, said: "The proposals provide the opportunity for McDonald’s to meet a long-standing requirement for a restaurant to serve this catchment area."
The proposal also includes 59 car parking spaces, four motorbike spaces and 12 cycle spaces, as well as eight EV charging bays.
The undeveloped land has been the subject of a number of planning proposals in recent years.
In December 2019, planning permission was granted for "construction of up to" 21 homes - although the applicant at the time said the owner was looking to sell the land after permission was secured.
Planning permission had also been approved for a care home and leisure schemes in 2009 and 2011.
Currently, there are McDonald's sites on Arbor Lane, Pakefield, and at Kirkley Rise - the latter opening shortly before McDonald's closed their town centre location in April 2021.
That London Road North site has since reopened as a Taco Bell.
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