Last county in England without McDonald’s finally set to get fast food chain branch

Local restaurant should sell ‘pheasant nuggets’, suggests Duchess of Rutland

Plans for a McDonald's outside Oakham in Rutland have been approved by councillors (Rutland County Council)

The final English county without a McDonald’s has approved the controversial proposal to build a drive-thru.

Some residents had complained about plans to bring the Golden Arches to Rutland, saying it could ruin the “brand” of the tiny county, which is known for its picturesque countryside.

Others had aired concerns that the McDonald’s just outside Oakham town centre would harm local trade, attract anti-social behaviour and increase litter.

Rutland County Council voted in favour of the plans on Tuesday evening on the basis it would not harm “neighbouring homes and businesses” or “the character of the surrounding area”, and would create “a significant number of new jobs”.

Gordon Brown, a councillor, said: “I know there are lots of people, both inside and outside of Rutland, who have strong opinions about whether or not there should be a McDonald’s in the county.”

He said: “We have to be impartial and can only make decisions based on whether or not an application complies with the relevant national and local planning policies.”

A council report said there were more than 50 formal objections to the plans — compared with 23 representations in support — with the majority concerned with increased rubbish in the area.

Mr Brown said McDonald’s would provide waste bins near the restaurant and conduct three litter picks every day in the 100 metres around the site.

People had also cited concerns about “plastic pollution and recyclable packaging” and the impact on local pubs and restaurant.

The Duchess of Rutland appeared on Good Morning Britain before the vote, suggesting the new McDonald’s could swing her support if it served “pheasant nuggets and burgers”.

The review presented to the council’s Planning Committee was positive overall, calling the “wasteland” site off Lands End Way “appropriate” and saying the “natural and neutral colours and materials” of the proposed design “would not have an adverse impact on the surrounding area”.

A McDonalds spokesperson said: “We are delighted that the Rutland Planning Committee has approved our application for a new restaurant in Oakham.

“Over the last year, we carried out an extensive consultation process, speaking to local residents about our plans, and have been heartened by the levels of support we have received.

“The new McDonald’s will create at least 65 new jobs for local people, and we’re excited about working alongside the local community.”

Additional reporting by Press Association