WITHAM will be getting its first McDonalds and KFC restaurants as longstanding plans for a huge new retail park have been approved.

Plans for a new retail park with drive-thru restaurants and shops on Gershwin Boulevard were approved by Braintree Council last night, with no objections from Witham Council.

With five units made up of three retail units, two of which are combined, a drive-thru restaurant unit and a drive thru-coffee shop unit, the retail park could potentially create 43 full time and 166 part time jobs, the equivalent of 90 full time positions.

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

Site - The retail park will be at Gershwin Boulevard in the southwest of Witham Site - The retail park will be at Gershwin Boulevard in the southwest of Witham (Image: Google Maps) The retail park will be situated in the southwestern part of Witham, only a short distance from the A12.

Speaking to the Times, Witham South councillor Paul Heath said: “I welcome the application—it’s long overdue.

“I do believe that if we want to attract major brands to Witham, we have to offer a mix and make it appealing to the retailers to come, and for the shoppers to go there.”

Mr Heath added that he understands some of the residents’ concerns about excess traffic.

He continued: “It’s hopeful that it’s going to provide entertainment and an uplift that allows us to try and attract other major brands to the area.

“It will provide local jobs and there should be jobs beneficial to the younger generation and university goers.

“It’s a marmite situation, you either love or you loathe takeaways.”

Confirmed - McDonalds, KFC and Costa coffee will all fill units at the retail park Confirmed - McDonalds, KFC and Costa coffee will all fill units at the retail park (Image: PA) The council updated conditions regarding delivery hours, lighting, drainage, and the electrical vehicle charging point, and will later see further details submitted by the applicant for approval.

It was decided delivery hours would be restricted between the hours of 6am to 11pm Monday to Saturday, and that approved lighting will be switched off between 11.30pm and 6am.

Residents have been divided by the news and have been discussing the plans on the Braintree and Witham Times Facebook page.

Richard Armstrong said: “Hopefully more comes, Witham has been dying for stuff!

“I remember when it had Go Karts, bowling, snooker, swimming… Now it has what?”

Scott Elbourne said: “It’s a good idea but it’s going to cause so much congestion in that area—just look at Sainsbury’s in Colchester.”

Kate Mead said: “At least it will give the young people of Witham some opportunity with jobs.”