Decision due on county's 15th McDonald's restaurant

McDonald's has applied to open its 15th restaurant in Surrey

A new McDonald's restaurant which could create up to 120 jobs could soon open in Caterham.

The site in the Quadrant Road shopping centre would be the 15th McDonald's in Surrey.

A number of residents said they supported the multi-million pound investment the company could bring, that the restaurant could attract people to the area and that it provided another place to socialise, but others said the town was not big enough for another fast food restaurant and that it would have a "detrimental" effect.

Tandridge District Council will vote on the proposals at a meeting on 9 January, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.

The new restaurant would have a queuing space where customers can order and a dining area described as a "relaxed and modern" environment with a variety of seats and tables to cater for up to 60 people. There would also be toilets, a kitchen, staff areas, and storage.

More than 400 people have commented on the planning application, with approximately 50% in favour and 50% against.

Opening hours are said to be from 07:00 until 23:00, seven days a week, according to planning documents.

The applicant said the restaurant would "maintain a strict protocol" to ensure noise and disturbance are kept to a minimum by training all shift managers in conflict resolution so they are equipped to deal with noise and anti-social behaviour.

A McDonald's spokesperson added in a planning document: "The proposed development represents a multi-million pound investment creating jobs both during the construction and operation phases, resulting in many associated economic benefits for the local area."

The closest McDonald's to Caterham can be found in either Redhill, Croydon, Purley or at the M25 Clacket Lane services.

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