Oakham residents objecting to McDonald's plans to open a fast-food outlet in the town have been branded 'snobs' by a national newspaper.

An online article published by The Sun last night (Mon) has the headline: "Rutland McDonald's – Snobs in the only county without a McDonald's fight plans for new branch – claiming it will bring 'riff raff'."

The article goes on to say: "Residents of Oakham are opposing the application in a town better known for shooting, sailing and £35,000 a year schools."

It quotes a number of opposition comments including claims the restaurant and drive-thru will 'devalue their homes and attract the wrong kinds of people' and will 'bring riff-raff'.

Last week Rutland County Council told Oakham Nub News it was 'unable to confirm' when the planning application for the fast-food restaurant and drive-thru - submitted more than 100 days ago - will be determined.

However, a county council spokesman could confirm it will not be at the next planning committee meeting on 24 September. The next scheduled meeting is on 22 October.

The spokesman said: "Consultation is still ongoing around the planning application.

"We are unable to confirm when this application will be determined by our planning committee until the consultation process is complete and all the necessary information has been received and properly considered by planning officers."

There are more than 110 individual documents filed online in relation to the application - ranging from residents' views on the development to reports on highways, drainage, ecology and archaeology as well as acoustic and badger surveys.