Members of Rutland County Council's planning and licensing committee have tonight (Tues) given the go-ahead for McDonald's to build a new fast-food restaurant in Oakham.

After a 25 minute debate, the committee voted eight in favour of the application, with one abstaining.

More than 25 members of the public packed into the main Council Chamber at the county council's Catmose offices to hear the decision - more than seven months after McDonald's submitted the application.

McDonald's franchisee with 11 restaurants in East Midlands, Martin Cuthbert, spoke briefly in support of the application. He hopes to take on the Oakham franchise and already operates one in nearby Melton Mowbray.

He was then quizzed by councillors for 25 mins on a number of issues including employment opportunities and litter.

Planning officers then summarised their planning report to the committee for 10 mins before councillors made their views known and voted on the application.

The council's planning officers had previously stated that the drive-thru restaurant and parking on a large area of undeveloped land at Hawkesmead Business Estate, off Lands End Way, was 'considered acceptable' and recommended the committee approve the application.

A report to tonight's committee said: "The proposed development would be sited on land allocated for employment uses.

"The proposed development is considered acceptable. It would not have an adverse impact on neighbouring residential amenities and/or the character of the surrounding

area.

The application was referred to the committee as the development is contrary to Adopted Local Plan Policies and represents a departure from the Adopted Local Plan.

"However," added the report,"the proposals would provide an employment generating use on the site."

The Oakham McDonald's - the first in Rutland - will create at least 65 new jobs.