McDonald's is 'disappointed' by the council amid plans to open a new restaurant.

South Lanarkshire Council wants to refuse the fast food giant's plans to open a new £4 million drive-thru in Larkhall - despite 'strong' public support. 

We previously reported on the proposal to open a restaurant at Borland Drive, which was resubmitted in February this year after receiving feedback from the council on the original application in December 2023. 

These plans are to be considered by South Lanarkshire’s Planning Committee on Tuesday, August 27.

READ MORE: Major plans for HUGE new McDonald's near Glasgow

The local authority officials are recommending the refusal of these new plans, leaving McDonald's bosses 'disappointed' as they say they have received strong support from locals and no objection from statutory consultees.

Despite this, McDonald's is hopeful of a positive outcome at next week's meeting.

If approved, the new restaurant will create up to 120 local jobs, with additional employment opportunities during construction and within the McDonald’s supply chain.

The application has received the backing of 76% of respondents, resulting in 538 supportive comments on South Lanarkshire’s Planning Portal.

READ MORE: Plans for new £4million McDonald's in Larkhall announced

The proposal features a modern, freestanding single-storey McDonald’s restaurant with a drive-thru lane, car parking, and landscaping.

Spanning 377 square meters, the development will include approximately 100 indoor and outdoor dining covers in a contemporary setting.

Additionally, it will offer 48 parking spaces (including two accessible spaces), five motorcycle spaces, and five electric vehicle charging points (one accessible), as well as eight cycle parking spaces.

READ MORE: Plans submitted to build drive-thru McDonald's in Larkhall

Andrew Crewther, senior acquisitions surveyor at McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd, said: "We are deeply disappointed that our proposals for Larkhall have been recommended for refusal by South Lanarkshire Council’s planning officers.

"Despite our efforts to address their concerns, which led to the withdrawal of our initial application in December 2023, it is disheartening to see the recommendation for refusal, especially given the overwhelming community support.

"However, we remain confident that the strong planning case we have presented, combined with overwhelming public backing, will allow a new McDonald’s restaurant to open in Larkhall. We look forward to the application being considered by councillors at next week’s Planning Committee meeting.

"If approved, our proposal will bring significant investment to the Larkhall community, creating 120 new local jobs within the restaurant, as well as additional employment opportunities during construction and within the McDonald’s supply chain.

"Beyond job creation, the project represents a substantial £4 million investment, adding to the £10.4 million McDonald’s already contributes to South Lanarkshire’s economy.

"The new Drive-Thru is also expected to generate an additional £50,000 to £60,000 annually in business rates for South Lanarkshire Council, providing a further financial boost to the local authority."

Fraser Carlin, the council’s Head of Planning and Regulatory Services, said: “An application from McDonald Restaurants Limited will be considered by the Planning Committee of South Lanarkshire Council on Tuesday, August 27, details of the relevant papers are available to view on the Council’s web pages.”