Plans for new McDonald's in village rejected

The plans for a new McDonald's in Cobham have caused controversy in the area

Plans for a new McDonald's in a Surrey village have been rejected following hundreds of objections from residents.

The fast food chain's application to open a restaurant in Cobham was thrown out by Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) on Thursday.

Katerina Lusk, councillor for Cobham and Downside, said the "biggest reasons" against the new restaurant were that the area was congested and prone to flooding.

McDonald's has been approached for comment.

Ms Lusk, who did not vote on the decision, told BBC Radio Surrey that the new outlet could bring "overbearing nuisance" to the community.

Council planning officers had previously recommended the plans - which were submitted in September - for approval.

Opponents said the fast food restaurant could harm Cobham's health, create litter and was too close to nearby schools and playgrounds.

However, council planners said in a report there was no evidence to suggest the fast food outlet would make people less healthy.

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The McDonald's site was set to be a redevelopment of the old Loch Fyne restaurant in Portsmouth Road, near the A3.

The chain said it "long wanted" to open a restaurant in Cobham.

"At McDonald's, we strive to be a good neighbour in the communities in which we operate and we look forward to working together with the local community and stakeholders to address any concerns they may have," a spokesperson previously said.

McDonald's added that the restaurant would have had indoor and outdoor seating with space for 60 diners and 30 car parking bays.

The application was rejected by four votes to three.