WITHAM looks set to get its first McDonalds and KFC restaurants as longstanding plans for a huge new retail park look set to be given the go-ahead.

The proposal for a new retail park with drive-thru restaurants and shops in Witham was unveiled in May 2023 in a submission by Churchmanor Estates.

The plans outline five units, three retail units, two of which are combined, a drive-thru restaurant unit and a drive-thru coffee shop unit, along with an electric vehicle charging station.

It is planned for McDonald's and Costa to fill two of the slots, with KFC earmarked for one of the two units in the combined building.

Site - The plans are proposed for Gershwin Boulevard with direct access to the A12Site - The plans are proposed for Gershwin Boulevard with direct access to the A12 (Image: BCR Infinity Architects) The retail park would be situated on Gershwin Boulevard, in the southwestern part of Witham.

The Aldi retail store is to the north on the opposite side of Gershwin Boulevard along with Marstons Public House, Saxon Arms, and a children’s Day Care Nursery.

It is only a short distance from the A12 which is situated south of the site, with Junction 21 that provides direct access to the A12 to the southwest.

A public consultation saw mixed responses with letters of both objection and support.

Plan = An architectural plan of the site and its five units Plan = An architectural plan of the site and its five units (Image: BCR Infinity Architects)Among the concerns raised were the impact the development may have on noise levels, anti-social behaviour, litter, traffic levels, the town’s high street shopping scene, and independent restaurants.

Letters of support said the proposal is a sensible use of land, an opportunity for jobs for young and older generations, and a “boost to the town”.

The planning statement says it considers the environmental impacts of the development, such as noise, fumes, external lighting and disturbance, "acceptable" and adds there are "no unacceptable impacts to neighbouring residential amenities".

It further added that the employment, economic and social benefits of the scheme are considered to "outweigh the identified harms".

The application has been recommended for approval, with the plans due to be discussed in a planning meeting next week.