The controversial bid by American giant McDonald's to demolish a North Weald pub and build a burger bar has now been backed by council planners.

The application for the site of the derelict Bull and Horseshoes in London Road, Latton, was recommended for approval at Wednesday night's meeting of the Epping Forest planning committee.

An original move in the autumn was refused after objections from North Weald Parish Council and local residents.

The change of mind by planning officers comes after McDonald's made vital alterations to plans for the 163 seater restaurant and drive-thru near Junction 7 of the M11.

Councillors were told in a report that the size of the building had been reduced after fears that the first application may have led to more than one user on the site. The new elevations would also be less likely visually to impact on the immediate surroundings.

Most of the original objections, including 80 from local residents, centred on the potential traffic hazards and congestion.

But the meeting heard that neither the Environment Department nor the county council were against it, provided McDonald's funded a dedicated right hand lane off the Epping Road on to the site. The smaller restaurant would also attract fewer cars.

The officers said that any Green Belt objections could be answered because permission had already been granted for redevelopment of the Bull and Horseshoes, including a restaurant.

The new McDonald's, if approved by councillors, is expected to provide 60 jobs, mostly part-time.

It follows recent development nearby of the Little Chef on the Harlow side of the M11 roundabout to provide a Burger King and approval for another Little Chef near the Talbot pub on the other side of North Weald.

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