McDonald's takes second bite at restaurant plans

Burger giant McDonald's has submitted fresh plans for a second drive-through restaurant in Dumfries after its original application was recommended for refusal.

The company said it had revised its £4m proposals off the town's Annan road which were withdrawn in December last year.

It said the new application should address the concerns which had been raised by Dumfries and Galloway Council planning officials.

Officers previously recommended refusal of the bid due to its visual impact and the failure to demonstrate that a more "appropriate site" could not be found.

Andrew Crewther, senior acquisitions surveyor with McDonald's, said the revised plans directly addressed those concerns.

"We explored alternative sites at the Peel Centre, but one is already earmarked for Costa, and the other has permission for a much smaller unit that doesn't meet our operational needs," he said.

"The application also responds to from council officers by repositioning the building and adding new tree planting to help soften the development's appearance and create a buffer from the A75.

"Alongside delivering significant inward investment and creating 120 new local jobs, the new restaurant would also more sustainable travel by improving local access to a McDonald's restaurant."

The revised planning application will be considered by the council's planning committee in due course.