Plans for a new McDonald's drive-thru restaurant just off the M53 in Ellesmere Port have been the green light.

In February 2023, a public consultation was launched over its proposals which would create around 120 jobs.

The site, located at Rossfield Park, is just off Junction 8 of the M53 next to the Green Oak Farm pub.

An application was submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council in May 2023 for the "erection of a drive-thru restaurant with associated access, servicing, car parking, hard and soft landscaping and other associated works".

McDonald's has said that the social and economic benefits include "delivering an uplift in business rates revenue in the order of £70,000 per annum – of which £35,000 would be retained locally" and "creating around 120 direct headcount jobs (60 direct FTE jobs) on-site, once the development is completed and operational".

In the development statement of the application, Lichfields, on behalf of McDonalds says: "The site will be accessed via an existing priority junction access road off Rossmore Road East. This access currently serves the main car park and service access to the Green Oak Farm public house.

"There would be 42 car parking spaces, including 3 accessible bays and five EVCPs. There would be eight cycle parking spaces (four Sheffield stands) provided close to the restaurant."

It adds: "The design concept for the proposal centres on the delivery of a high-quality development that supports local demand for a McDonald’s restaurant.

"The proposed development has been designed with an attractive modern aesthetic which reflects the character of the other commercial uses along Rossmore Road East."

The application had received a mixture of supportive comments and objections.

Supporters of the plans were welcoming of "greater choice for local people and passing trade in this area of Ellesmere Port, and bring well paid, stable jobs to the area at a time they are needed most."

Objectors hit out at additional traffic and a lack of opportunities sought to extend and improve access to local footpath and cycle networks.

The Cheshire West and Chester Council planning portal noted the application had been approved on Monday, April 22.