AROUND 120 people could soon be working at a McDonald's restaurant and drive-thru in Highbridge after plans were approved by Somerset Council.

The restaurant will be based at Oak Tree Business Park, a 14.6-acre site on the A38 Bristol Road, located around half a mile from junction 22 of the M5.

The proposals for the “erection of one drive-thru coffee shop and one drive-thru restaurant with associated car parking and landscaping” were submitted to the former Sedgemoor District Council in May 2022.

A decision was made by the new unitary authority on Thursday, May 25.

When the plans were lodged, a McDonald’s spokesperson said: “McDonald’s is pleased to be part of these exciting plans in Highbridge.

“The scheme will deliver a range of local benefits, including a new McDonald’s restaurant creating around 120 jobs.”

No planned opening date has been announced.

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News: Oak Tree Business Park in Highbridge.Oak Tree Business Park in Highbridge. (Image: Alder King)

Before the decision was made, Burnham Without Parish Council recommended that planning permission be granted.

A spokesperson said: “Burnham Without Parish Council recommend that planning permission be granted for the above proposals.

“The land is allocated for business/employment uses and the proposals are unlikely to have any detrimental impact on the area, subject to the highway authority being satisfied with the access arrangements.”

Seperate planning applications related to advertising signage and a freestanding totem pole for the restaurant were approved last year.

Drawings submitted to Sedgemoor District Council suggest a Greggs drive-thru could be built next to McDonald's as part of the scheme.

The proposed layout shows two buildings facing Bristol Road: One is labelled McDonalds NG100 unit, and the other is labelled Greggs. 

Other units at Oak Tree Business Park have been taken on by Aerofin Laboratories, Studio Essence, The Scotch Egg Company and Secret World Wildlife Rescue, a local animal charity.