The iconic golden arches of a major fast food giant will soon loom large over Fraserburgh after McDonald’s plans for a new restaurant were approved.
Bosses at the chain made clear their intention to build a new restaurant next to the port’s Asda supermarket on Watermill Road in March.
The new drive-through will be built in the store’s car park and could create up to 65 new jobs.
At present the town boasts just two fast food chains, with one of Scotland’s last remaining Wimpy outlets, and a Subway.
Three separate planning applications were submitted by Planware Ltd on behalf of the company, with drawings showing the new site will include two order stations, a digital menu board, a play park and a car park with 10 spaces.
A report by Aberdeenshire Council planning officials said the restaurant would fit in well with the other facilities at Watermill Road.
It reads: “The proposed development is of a scale and nature that is suitable to the surrounding retail park.
“It is in an accessible location and would not erode the character or amenity of the area.”
There were no objections to the development and two letters supporting it.
In a letter backing McDonald’s arrival, James McLean said it would provide his home town of Fraserburgh with a boost.
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He said: “I support the application because it will bring more people to the town, will provide more affordable eating options, more employment opportunities and encourage more people to shop in the town.”
David Gray is another supporter of the fast food giant’s first foray into Fraserburgh and said it was the right time for it to happen.
He said: “Fraserburgh has been crying out for such a facility for many years now.”
Last night, a spokeswoman for McDonald’s said their expansion into Fraserburgh was a “significant investment” that would create dozens of jobs for the port.
She said: “We are pleased to be progressing with these plans and the significant investment the restaurant will bring to the local community, which will also create at least 65 jobs in the area.”
