McDonald's plan approved amid sex work objections

Stockton Council approved a new McDonald's drive-through (stock image)

McDonald's has been given permission to open a drive-through branch, despite objections which included worries over sex workers.

Plans to build the restaurant north of Lidl on Yarm Road, Stockton, attracted 48 letters of objection and 33 in support.

Conservative councillor Sufi Mubeen referred to problems with sex workers in the area.

But Labour chair Mick Stoker, said "there's no link between McDonald's and sex workers". The chain has been approached for comment.

During an hour-long debate during a Stockton Council planning committee meeting, one resident voiced concerns about "noise pollution, the smell, the rats", the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.

Mubeen said: "You will all be aware of the ongoing crime and anti-social behaviour problems in the Ropner ward, particularly around sex workers."

Conservative councillor Shakeel Hussain said the proposed restaurant would worsen crime and create "a hub for people to go to and do whatever they do on Yarm Road".

He asked about gates to stop people using it as "a den or a haven to go and ply their trade".

The new drive-through branch would be located next to a Lidl

Principal planning officer Elaine Atkinson said there was no direct evidence linking anti-social behaviour and fast-food restaurants the authority could use as a basis for refusing the application.

She said there were no plans for a gate and police had said it was "fairly well lit".

Cleveland Police said the restaurant had the potential to generate large amounts of anti-social behaviour, but proper management could "significantly reduce" issues.

Daniel Gregg, from McDonald's representative Lichfields, said the branch would bring "significant benefits" and jobs, and revive the vacant brownfield site.

Opening hours had been reduced after consultation with residents, to 06:00 to midnight.

Mr Gregg said there would be "negligible" noise impact on the nearest homes, with the site surrounded by a supermarket, a railway line and busy road.

Neither highways nor environmental health officers objected to the scheme.