A controversial application from fast food giant McDonald’s has been approved.
The application was considered by Three Rivers District Council’s (TRDC) Planning Committee in December and proposes to turn the vacant former M&Co unit in Rickmansworth into a McDonald’s.
A petition was set up to oppose the plans and more than 50 objections were submitted on TRDC’s planning portal.
Despite this, the $214.42billion multinational food chain promises that the Rickmansworth restaurant will provide 100 to 200 jobs and £50,000 to £60,000 in business rates.
On Thursday, April 17, TRDC’s Planning Committee approved the plans after a five-month delay, with 10 committee members voting in favour of the plans and one member against.
The decision included a lengthy discussion about opening hours and the impact of delivery drivers, as well as an amendment to the original proposal that will see no deliveries from 10.30pm, having initially been set from 11pm.
A spokesperson for TRDC said: “After careful consideration, both applications (24/0829/FUL and 24/0832/ADV) were found to be in accordance with the relevant planning policies and guidance by the council’s planning officers.
“The Planning Committee resolved to grant planning permission and advertisement consent on April 17, 2025.”
A McDonald’s spokesperson said: “We are excited about the opportunity to open a restaurant in Rickmansworth, bringing significant investment to the local area and delivering up to 120 full- and part-time jobs.”
Photo credit: Dirk Tussing and Google Maps
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