The fast-food chain McDonald’s have revealed plans to open a branch in Carnforth.
McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd have applied for planning permission to develop a site next to the Porsche centre on Electric Drive, just off junction 35 of the M6, which would include a drive-through restaurant with access, servicing, car parking, hard and soft landscaping and other associated works.
The opening hours would be noon until midnight, seven days a week, including bank holidays.
As Beyond Radio revealed in October 2024, the company have held ambitions to open a branch in the town, in a move they say could bring up to 120 new jobs to the area.
An exercise to gauge local support ran for seven days and collected 232 emails in favour of the scheme, while more than 1,700 leaflets were distributed to local addresses.
Across a 15-day consultation period, a consultation website attracted 738 page views with a total of 424 individuals completing the online questionnaire.
Read more: Could a McDonald’s be coming to Carnforth?
The nearest McDonald’s to Carnforth is currently at Sunnyfield, just off the Bay Gateway in Morecambe, or Caton Road in Lancaster.
Planning documents state: “The site extends to 0.52 ha and includes the existing junction serving the Porsche Centre from the B6601.
"Full planning permission is sought for a 377 square metre drive-thru restaurant to be operated by McDonald’s.
"The proposed development offers an attractive modern aesthetic which reflects the character of the wider Carnforth 356 development and adjacent Porsche Centre.
"The site comprises a broadly square plot on the northern edge of Electric Drive. The restaurant building is positioned centrally within the plot, with a patio area with outdoor seating to the northeast.
"A substation is proposed to the east of the main entrance into the site.
"The proposed development includes 41 car parking spaces including two accessible bays, two electric vehicle charging bays and two grill bays.
“Pedestrian crossings are integrated into the layout which will connect the restaurant to the wider network of pedestrian routes at Carnforth 356.
"Six cycle parking spaces are proposed adjacent to the restaurant entrance and two further staff cycle spaces will be provided internally.
"A hard and soft landscaping scheme forms part of the development proposals.''
Above: The site of the proposed McDonald's on Electric Drive in Carnforth
"Hard landscaping elements include the tarmac car park, footpaths and concrete drive thru lane.
"Keyblock paving is proposed around the immediate area surrounding the restaurant to the east, south and west, including the patio.
“Tactile paving is proposed to denote the drop kerb crossings within the site.
"In this case, McDonald’s commercial requirement is for a drive-thru restaurant to serve the residents of Carnforth which has been identified as an underserved market.
"It will also provide a facility for users and employees of the future employment uses on the wider Carnforth 356 development, as well as existing businesses in the local area.
"Given its location, the restaurant will also attract trade from vehicles travelling along the M6.
"McDonald’s considers the application site is an ideal location to meet its commercial requirements.”
Councillors at Lancaster City Council will decide on the application in due course.
You can view the application, reference number 25/00562/FUL, here
LISTEN: Mastermind champ from Lancaster to host charity quiz at city venue
Unique workshop tackling racism in schools to be held in Lancaster
Painless blood test championed by Lancaster family wins NHS Excellence Award
Police issue wildfire warning after bonfires reported on fells near Lancaster
Launch in Morecambe for book which could save you thousands in tax
Plans for up to 90 new homes near Bay Gateway could get green light
Mayor to re-enact ancient sheep tradition at Lancaster farm
Lancaster by-election candidates named
Firefighters tackle lorry fire at business premises in Heysham
Lancaster police continue drive to tackle city centre street drinking
Exhibition inspired by Eden Project Morecambe to open in Lancaster
Spectacular night-time drone show to be part of Armed Forces weekend in Morecambe
LISTEN: Sing along as venue celebrates Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Morecambe Vintage Bus Day receives grant boost
Morecambe pensioner, 94, to release debut album for charity
Mental health champion arrives in Lancaster on 10-month charity walk
Celebrating a day of discovery in Morecambe with Lancaster University
Cafe couple love being back by Morecambe Bay as new sign goes up
Morecambe primary school's pioneering eco-garden set to open
Beyond Radio to broadcast live on Eric Morecambe's centenary
