Plans for Fakenham's first McDonald's approved for second time

Plans for a town’s first McDonald’s have been approved – for a second time.

An application for a new drive-thru restaurant in Fakenham was first given the green light in March.

However, it was brought back before North Norfolk District Council’s planning committee after complaints that it had failed to follow correct procedures.

While the proposals had been debated by councillors, according to planning rules, the proximity of the site to several schools had not been appropriately considered by council officials.

Despite being revisited, the application was approved for a second time last week.

The National Planning Policy Framework, which guides planning decisions, states councils should refuse applications for fast-food outlets within “walking distance” of schools.

Fakenham Academy, Duke of Lancaster Academy, Fakenham Junior School, and Fakenham Infant and Nursery School are all within a 20-minute walk of the site.

Following a complaint over the handling of the application, North Norfolk District Council agreed to reconsider the proposals at a meeting of its planning committee last week.

However, council officials determined all four schools in the town were a suitable distance away from the proposed restaurant.