McDonald's old hotel conversion plan faces refusal

The restaurant would be on the grounds of a former hotel

Plans by burger giant McDonald's for a drive-through restaurant on the grounds of a derelict hotel near the ferry ports at Cairnryan have been recommended for refusal.

The company said it would create 120 jobs and see an investment of about £4m on the site of the old Lochryan Hotel.

However, Dumfries and Galloway Council's planning committee is being advised to turn down the plans.

Planning officials said its location meant it would be over-reliant on the use of private transport and would not help to reduce or minimise greenhouse gas emissions.

McDonald's wants to open a restaurant near the ferry ports in Cairnryan

Last month, McDonald's won a planning battle with the council to build a second restaurant in Dumfries.

That site was approved by councillors despite being recommended for refusal.

Now the company faces a similar hurdle for its plans in the west of the region.

Councillors will meet to decide its fate on 25 September.