Plans for a new McDonald’s have been approved despite residents’ claims there is “no need” for one.

The fast-food chain tabled plans in 2023 to launch at the A2 London-bound Gate Services at Dunkirk, between Faversham and Canterbury, on the site of a former Travelodge.

The 79-seat eatery was proposed to be next to the existing Costa Coffee.

Closed in 2023, the former Travelodge is set to be knocked down and replaced entirely.

Swale Borough Council’s (SBC) planning committee met on May 22 to make the final call, where officers were recommending they vote to approve the plans.

Charlie Brown, acting as a planning agent for McDonald’s, implored the committee to back the proposals.

“The application will help redevelop a brownfield site, enhancing the existing service area, creating over 100 new jobs across a range of full and part time roles,” he said.

“McDonald’s are committed to maintaining a clean environment and the team at this restaurant will conduct three daily litter patrols within a 150m radius collecting all litter.”

But Faversham resident Sarah Moakes attended to tell members they should instead refuse the plans, saying: “We’re not loving it.

“A 24-hour McDonald’s drive-thru is an entirely different proposition, they attract horrendous traffic especially at tea time and are magnets for antisocial behaviour.”

She argued the new restaurant would be an “unmitigated disaster”.

Ward councillor Cllr Rich Lehmann (Green) also attended to speak against it, fearing traffic congestion and the site’s environmental impact.

“A very large proportion of visits made to this drive-thru every day will involve visitors making a fourteen mile round trip from Faversham,” he said.

“Whilst new jobs are welcome we must also consider whether this employment genuinely offsets the potential negative impact on existing local businesses - especially independent food outlets in Faversham by a multinational competitor.

“The convenience of a drive-thru can promote unhealthy eating habits despite the best efforts of McDonald’s to have healthier options.”

Some committee members expressed similar sentiments, with Cllr Terry Thompson (Green), saying: “There isn’t currently a need for a McDonald’s.

“This proposal is completely inappropriate to a rural environment.”

Cllr Mike Baldock (Swale Ind.) said the plans would “Extend the range of litter we have in even further.”

However, other members took a different view.

“It’s been a longstanding place where people passing could get something to drink,” said Cllr Ann Cavanagh (Lab).

Cllr Tony Winckless (Lab) added: “I feel that if we were to turn this down, on planning law we wouldn’t have a leg to stand on.”

Cllr Ben Martin (Lib Dem) said: “I have great sympathy with the position of members who are against, but based on what we have here I cannot see a reason to reject which would stand up to the scrutiny of an inspector.”

The committee voted to approve the plans, with 10 coming out in favour and four against.