A FACELIFT at McDonald's fast food restaurant in Galashiels has been endorsed – despite neighbours' safety concerns

A planning bid submitted to Scottish Borders Council (SBC) for the refurbishment of the fast food eatery at Wilderhaugh has been rubber-stamped.

The works incorporate replacement drive-thru booths, relocation of patio doors and associated works.

Further minor works to the site include refreshed hard standing areas to match existing, relining of car park and road markings and the installation of a Goal Post height restrictor.

Objections were raised by nearby residents in Wilderhaugh Court at the impact of road hatching being painted on a shared access road.

One objector explained: “As they already use the practice of parking cars along the wall and into the private car park of Wilderhaugh Court, this seems an attempt to make this a more official waiting area, however, it is not suitable nor appropriate.

“It forces traffic into the private car park to turn and use that space. There is then no limit to how many cars will in reality end up parking there. This causes much increased traffic in Wilderhaugh Court, which can be dangerous.

“Many people turn too fast and cause a danger to children. The environmental issues this causes for the residents are also an issue, with vehicles queued up and entering our car park sitting with their engines running and often playing loud music.”

In his report approving the application, Carlos Clarke, SBC lead planning officer, says:  “Concerns from neighbours regarding hatching an area of the road and its implications for their residential property are fully understood.

“However, painting any part of the hard surfacing does not require planning permission in this case. They would fall to be considered under an advertisement consent application, and not this planning application.

“On that basis, the implications of the hatching and numbering are not a material planning consideration that can determine the outcome of this application.

“The development proposals themselves – which constitute minor extensions and alterations to the building – do not materially affect parking requirements, nor is there any material change to the parking layout itself.”