Councillors have delayed a decision on a new drive-thru McDonald’s off the A1(M) at Scotch Corner amid concerns about the capacity of the junction to take more traffic.
Members of North Yorkshire Council’s Richmond area planning committee voted to carry out a site visit before deciding on the plans for the restaurant.
The McDonald’s is proposed for a parcel of grassland immediately north of the main Scotch Corner roundabout.
The scheme includes a drive-thru restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, a children’s play area, toilets and parking for 55 vehicles.
Planning officers recommended the application be approved.
But while National Highways did not raise any objections, councillors expressed concerns about traffic flow on the roundabout and how pedestrians and motorists would reach the restaurant.
Councillor Kevin Foster said: “It’s not the greatest roundabout to drive around. I particularly get a bit nervous when I come to it because people go everywhere.
“Everyone dislikes it in the area, I can assure you of that.”
He added: “I’ve got massive concerns about the capacity of that road.”
Councillor Heather Moorhouse said: “I support having a site visit. There is a problem at Scotch Corner, which we’ve all gone over, and the safety aspect is what to look at in any plan application.”
Local resident Steve Hill also spoke out against the plans at the meeting, telling councillors there was no need for another fast-food outlet at Scotch Corner
He said: “Moto Services already has four fast food outlets, and approval was given for a drive-thru facility on that site in January 2023.
“Approval was given in November 2023 for two fast food outlets on the Dalesway Lodge site and the designer village plans to have 27 restaurants and cafes.”
He added: “Secondly, Scotch Corner roundabout already gets congested at busy times, and every additional facility will make it worse.”
Jonathan Wallace, from agents Lichfields, said: “The proposal provides a new, modern format for McDonald’s restaurants, as well as an EV charging port with 20 electric vehicle charging points.
“It allows 120 employment opportunities, which will be accessible and attainable for young people, which is important.
“It was also result in the delivery of enhanced facilities to serve people using the strategic road network.”
The application would see four electric vehicle charging points installed within the restaurant car park, with infrastructure in place to allow a further eight bays to be connected in the future.
In addition, outline permission is being sought for a dedicated electric vehicle charging facility featuring up to 20 charging bays on land to the north of the restaurant.
