McDonald's submits plans for county's 15th branch

McDonald’s said the new restaurant would “provide a significant economic boost” to the area

Fast food giant McDonald’s has submitted plans for what it hopes will be its 15th restaurant in Surrey.

McDonald's has formally filed a proposal to Elmbridge Borough Council to bring the franchise to the former Loch Fyne site in Portsmouth Road, Cobham.

However, some residents have spoken out against the plan saying it is "the last thing" Surrey needs, with a petition calling for the site to be turned into a community centre passing 30,000 signatures.

McDonald’s said it would continue to engage with the local community as the application progressed following its two-week consultation.

A chain spokesperson added: "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.”

According to the plans, McDonald’s is seeking a change of use for the empty building which, it says, would “sensitively restore” the disused site and convert it into an “employment-generating facility”.

Concerns had been raised about the potential for car queues near the site, but McDonald’s explained there would be no drive-through, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

If approved, the new restaurant would include both indoor and outdoor seating with space for 60 diners along with 30 cars parking bays.

There would also be four motorcycle bays, eight cycle spaces and four secure staff cycle spaces.

McDonald’s said the new opening would “provide a significant economic boost” to the area, creating about 120 new jobs as well as generating between £50,000 and £60,000 in business rates for the council.

The proposed operating hours are from 06:00 to 00:00 BST, Monday to Sunday.