McDonald’s gets the go ahead

Dozens of full and part-time jobs, believed to be up to 65, will be created after a new McDonald’s drive-thru was given the go ahead for Buttington roundabout.

The final planning piece of the jigsaw was put into place by Powys County Council who allowed Gwilym Davies, the council’s head of property, planning and public protection, to approve the decision through delegated powers.

Supporting documentation from the applicant states: “The proposed site contains the characteristics to run a successful drive-thru facility without affecting the vitality and viability of the town centre.

“McDonald’s freestanding restaurants ideally operate 24 hours per day and seven days per week, although there is some flexibility where specific amenity issues dictate otherwise. The peak periods are usually lunchtimes, followed by evenings and breakfasts.”

Local residents have raised concern over the fast food restaurant's close proximity to the new primary school, as well as potential issues over litter on the bypass. Welshpool Town Council objected to an original application in April, last year.

The area is set to be transformed over the coming two years with plans for another fast food restaurant, a 63-room hotel and a major coffee shop also in the planning pipeline.