A new McDonalds is set to open in a closed-down former restaurant in Morecambe after plans were approved.
Lancaster City Council officers have given the green light to several planning applications from the fast food giant, with a number of conditions.
The site concerned is the former Frankie and Benny's and Burger King premises on Hillmore Way, just off Central Drive near Morrisons, which has been closed since 2020.
Permission granted includes for replacement doors and glazing, changes to the car parking layout and bin store area, landscaping including outdoor seating areas and planting, and a number of illuminated signs.
On each of the planning applications submitted being put to the vote, nine councillors voted in favour, with two against and two abstentions, meaning each proposal was approved.
Above: The former Frankie & Benny's site
A Lancaster City Council report, discussed on Tuesday (May 27) by councillors, said: "The building has extant consent for use as a restaurant with opening hours controlled by the 1995 consent, and as such a change of use and revised opening hours do not form part of this assessment.
"The application site has been empty and deteriorating for some time, and the proposal would see the unit re-used, bringing it back into an active economic generating use and improving the visual condition of the building.
"The amended scheme is also acceptable in terms of highways, pedestrian connectivity, noise, odour, and biodiversity.
"Therefore the proposal is compliant with the relevant local and national policies, and is recommended for approval.
"The existing building is in a poor condition. The proposed extensions and external alterations including removal of the existing detached bin compound would result in an improved visual amenity, and are appropriate given the setting of the wider commercial area."
The premises was originally built in the mid-1990s as a drive through Burger King takeaway, until Frankie & Benny’s took over the site in 2008, removing the drive through and extending into the former drive through lanes.
Frankie and Benny’s vacated the site in 2020, and it has remained disused since then.
The site is close to the Morrisons supermarket, Morrisons Petrol Station, B&M, The Range and Next shopping area, and car park.
Last year, plans for Burger King to open a drive-through on the site, were withdrawn.
Read more: EXCLUSIVE: Plans for Burger King drive-through in Morecambe axed - Beyond Radio
Planning permission was granted for a 'change of use to restaurant and drive through takeaway' at the site in June 2023, but Burger King shelved the plans.
McDonalds already has nearby outlets on Morecambe Road, in Lancaster city centre and at Caton Road in Lancaster.
Planning approval also comes on the same week that the company announced they had submitted an application for a McDonald’s in Carnforth, just off junction 35 of the M6.
Read more:
Plans revealed for new McDonald’s restaurant in Carnforth
Man accused of stealing joints of meat at Lancaster Asda by hiding them in his trousers
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Spectacular display of 12,000 poppies unveiled at Lancaster landmark
Eden Project Morecambe boss gives update on early stages of work on new £100m attraction
Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth Remembrance services announced
Road closures for pre-Tour de France work announced for Lancaster district
Lancaster rock guitarist braves beard shave for charity
Two arrests made after post office robbery in Lancaster
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra to perform concert for schools at Morecambe Winter Gardens
PHOTOS: Plans go in for major Lancaster regeneration scheme
Lancaster music venue's heartfelt message ahead of final night on New Year's Eve
Morecambe school named among one of England's most improved for attendance
Lancaster hospital nursing boss appointed to University of Cumbria honorary role
Morecambe Football Club placed under another embargo by the National League
£1.5m Lancaster scheme to boost water quality in River Lune is complete
Family pays tribute to Lancaster pensioner who died in road crash
Popular artist's print of Morecambe Bay Academy to be launched at alumni evening
Work set to begin on new Heysham skate park
Light Up Lancaster promises to illuminate city with ‘No Boundaries’
Sadness as Morecambe sports and social club suffers break-in on night of reopening
Man arrested after death of pensioner in Lancaster road crash
