Takeaway proposal in wrong spot

MCDONALD’S plan to serve up a restaurant and drive-through near Cairnryan could be refused next week.

It’s due to be discussed by councillors on next Thursday but planners are recommending it is turned down as the chosen site just off the A77 near Cairnryan is not suitable.

The burger baron submitted the application to build the eaterie in the grounds of the derelict Lochryan Hotel last December, with plans including a drive-through facility, outdoor seating are, service yard and car park.

The restaurant would also create 120 new jobs. in the community and planning papers say that the development would be a £5.7 million investment in the area.

However, case officer David Hearton is advising elected members to reject it, primarily on the grounds that the site is not suitable and also because he says a McDonald’s restaurant at this spot would increase traffic along the already busy A77.

The proposal has also divided opinions among residents with 52 submitting objections. Among them are Cairnryan Community Council, their concerns centred around the environment, traffic issues, and litter. In their submission, the community council wrote: “There is a concern that the restaurant will attract younger customers from Stranraer who will travel to the restaurant by cycle, scooter or walk. There is not a complete cycle path, so these younger customers will have to travel on the A77. The A77 between Stranraer and Cairnryan is single lane and single carriageway; this makes it particularly dangerous to travel on as a cyclist or walker due to the high level of trucks.

“It would be devastating if an accident occurred, or worse still, a fatality, just because McDonald’s had sited its restaurant away from the main town of Stranraer.”