McDonald’s has refused to rule out appealing a decision from Shepway District Council turning down plans for a new restaurant in Folkestone.

The fast food giants applied for planning permission in April for a two-storey restaurant and drive-thru in Firs Lane, Cheriton.

But Shepway planning officers refused permission saying the proposals would harm the character of the area, have a negative impact on the Grade II listed barn and eighth century Firs Farmhouse which neighbour the site and the street scene.

Concerns over traffic and access to the proposed site at the junction with Cheriton High Street were initially raised by Kent Highways but these were later dropped by the county council.

The refusal notice sent to McDonald’s by SDC outlined the reasons for refusal.

It reads: “The proposal fails to preserve the setting of the adjacent Grade II listed ‘The Firs’ farmhouse and its barn and adversely affects their setting when viewed from Cheriton Interchange and High Street by virtue of the clearance of the trees from the site and its boundaries.

"We will be taking time to consider the decision and information available." McDonald's spokesman

“The proposed development would result in a hardening of the street scene and an erosion of the spacious appearance and function of the green urban/rural fringe ‘Interchange’ area to which the existing site currently contributes.”

Officers concluded the principle of redevelopment “is accepted” and in some areas it met the council’s planning policy requirements.

But they added: “The merits of this proposal do not outweigh the harm that would result and as such it is recommended that the application be refused.”

McDonald’s can still challenge the decision and the company said this week it was assessing its options following the decision.

A McDonald’s spokesman said: “We are disappointed with the decision as a new restaurant would have secured the creation of 75 new jobs and significant investment in the local area. We will be taking time to consider the decision and information available.”

Dozens of neighbours were opposed to the new restaurant with campaigners criticising the impact it would have on the area including litter and traffic coming in and out as well as questioning the need for a third outlet in the town – with restaurants at Park Farm and in the town centre.

Was refusal the right decision? Write to Folkestone & Hythe Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8JR or email folkestoneexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk