Plans for a town's third McDonald's are expected to be given the go-ahead, despite fears over increased traffic, pollution and litter.

Forty-one residents have submitted objections over the proposal to build the fast food outlet plus drive-thru in the car park of Tesco, in Cheriton High Street, Folkestone.

Their fears include the addition of an "unhealthy food option" to the area, increased traffic particularly during peak times, litter and impact on wildlife and the environment, noise and light pollution, the proximity of the McDonalds at Park Farm and the loss of spaces in the car park for the supermarket.

Folkestone Town Council also objects.

There are already two McDonalds in the town - one in Sandgate Lanes Shopping Centre, off West Terrace, and one at the aforementioned Park Farm retail estate.

Rumours about another outlet opening have been circling for over a year.

If approved, this third branch will be a free standing restaurant at two storeys high and have a gross internal space of 493sqm.

It will sit to the south east of Tesco, with the existing recycling centre and Click & Collect facility being relocated elsewhere in the car park.

Access to the drive thru lane and the restaurant would be via the existing car park.

The restaurant is likely to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and CCTV will be installed.

All new drive thru McDonald’s restaurants are supplied with electricity from 100% renewable sources, generated off site.

The development is anticipated to create 35 full time jobs and 30 part-time jobs.

A sequential test revealed there were 'no alternative suitable sites for a drive thru restaurant' in the area.

Planning officers have also deemed the 'design, materials and scale' as 'appropriate for this location' which 'would enhance the appearance of the existing car park and the development from within the street scene'.

The scheme will be discussed by councillors on Folkestone and Hythe District Council's planning committee on Tuesday (December 15).

It is recommended for approval.

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