McDonald's to open in Haverhill after council approval

Aaron Luccarini, who represents Haverhill Central on West Suffolk Council, has praised plans, approved by Braintree Council, for the fast-food chain to build a drive-through restaurant on land at Haverhill Business Park.

Proposals for the restaurant include a drive-thru, customer order displays, 48 car parking spaces, play area and a golden arches sign. The restaurant will be able to sit 118 guests. 

The land for the approved McDonald's in Haverhill (Image: Google maps)

Mr Luccarini said: "I am pleased to welcome McDonald's to Haverhill. It will bring with it much-needed employment opportunities.

"I am also pleased to have a restaurant servicing the town's bypass, as in that area there is currently a lack of facilities." 

The application received a number of objections and complaints, including some related to road safety and access, disturbance of street scene and possible littering.

However, it was recommended for approval by planning officers and, at a planning meeting last week, this was granted. 

Mr Luccarini, who spoke as a member of the public in favour of the plans at the meeting, said: "If you ask Haverhill residents which shops they’d like to see in Haverhill, you will often get a list that contains McDonald's, so it’s no surprise that this application attracted thousands of combined likes and positive comments across local Facebook groups.

"The restaurant chain has tried multiple times to open in Haverhill, and this time I feel they’ve found the right site.

"Situated just off Haverhill’s by-pass, opposite a hotel, away from housing estates, and surrounded by local employment land, the restaurant will be a welcome addition to Haverhill, serving residents, workers and those travelling past the town as they cross the Essex/Cambridgeshire/Suffolk border."