McDonald's plan approved despite 'boy racer' fears

Planning officers said 30 conditions had been imposed on the plans to help allay concerns

McDonald's has been given the green-light to build a new restaurant in Devon despite concerns.

Exeter City Council approved plans for the fast food firm to build a drive-through takeaway alongside the Tesco supermarket on Russell Way in the Digby area.

Members of the council's planning committee said concerns about anti-social behaviour, noise, litter, rats, seagulls and "boy racers" revving their engines at night had been raised by people living nearby.

However, councillors were told there were no planning grounds to reject the application and there would be 30 conditions imposed, which would cover most of the issues raised.

Committee members were told the area was becoming a "fast food hub" with KFC and Taco Bell already there, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Councillors were told some of the 26 objections received raised health concerns related to the number of fast food restaurants in the area.

'It's a shame'

Despite the plans being approved, councillors said they had heard from locals worried about the application.

Anne Jobson said residents had told her the car park at the site was used by boy and girl racers to do wheelies during the early hours.

She said: "It’s a shame they’ve gone for a drive-through, because that element really does have problems.

"Residents say they take their lives in their hands every time they cross Russell Way."

Zoe Hughes added anti-social behaviour issues were her main concern, especially around motorbikes and cars racing around the area.

"I would urge McDonald’s to bear that in mind when looking at security, staffing and CCTV," she said.