Proposals for a new McDonald’s restaurant and takeaway in Southport have been approved.
A planning application for the scheme was approved by councillors on Sefton Council’s Planning Committee at a meeting at Bootle Town hall last night (Wednesday 7th February 2024).
Work can now begin on creating the new eatery, on the site of the former Royal Doulton unit at Central 12 retail park.
The opening hours will be 6am to 11pm, a reduction from the 24 hours a day originally sought.
The new restaurant will become the third McDonald’s outlet in Southport, joining others at Ocean Plaza retail park and on Scarisbrick New Road, near Kew retail park.
The site, next door to Costa Coffee, has been vacant for a number of years.
Sefton planning officers advised councillors to give their backing to the scheme, which has had a mixed response from people.
Many support the desire to transform a vacant unit which has been empty for many years, which will create a number of new jobs and attract more visitors to Central 12.
Some local residents living nearby had raised concerns over added noise and traffic and other issues.
In his report to councillors, Sefton Council Chief Planning Officer Derek McKenzie said: “Unit 11 comprises 424 sq m of retail floor space. It was last occupied by Royal Doulton, but has been vacant for approximately 15 years.
“Despite continual marketing by the applicant, they have been unable to secure a retail user for the premises.
“The application seeks planning permission to change the use of the unit from retail to a restaurant / hot food takeaway, the applicant has stated that the intended end user is McDonald’s.
“The site lies within an area designated as Southport Town Centre in the Sefton Local Plan. The proposal comprises a main town centre use, which is acceptable in principle subject to the consideration of other matters including vitality and viability of the shopping centre, character and appearance, living conditions of neighbouring occupiers and public health, highways and parking.”
The 13-unit Central 12 shopping park, located on Derby Road, close to Southport Railway Station, is anchored by an ASDA superstore. It comprises 162,143 sq ft of open convenience retail with retailers including Poundland, The Range, Boots and Next.
The site also has a car park for 636 vehicles.
It was previously home to the Southport Steamport museum.
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