Plans for a 'pointless' new McDonald's restaurant and drive-thru have been rejected.

The two-storey fast food outlet was proposed for Tesco car park, in Cheriton High Street, Folkestone.

But councillors on Folkestone and Hythe District Council's (FHDC) planning committee voted against the scheme at their meeting last night, held virtually.

Members refused the development based on their concerns about highway safety and sustainability.

Fears were also raised over increased litter, pollution and noise in the area if the new build was erected.

Councillors were also worried about its close proximity to schools and the M20 motorway - which already produces high CO2 emissions.

During the meeting, questions were also raised about whether the proposed new business needed to be open 24 hours a day, and whether it would in fact create 65 local jobs.

Cllr Georgina Treloar (Green) said she had 'lots of issues' with the scheme, and said it already gets congested in the area at school pick up and drop off times.

She said there was already high levels of pollution and this restaurant would only add to that.

Cllr Treloar also said as a council which has declared a climate emergency, FHDC should be discouraging people from driving so much.

She added: "I don't think anyone could convince me this restaurant would contribute to the wellbeing of our community."

She also couldn't see 'the point of putting it there', when there is already a McDonald's at Park Farm industrial estate - which is 2.6 miles away.

A second existing McDonald's can be found in Folkestone town centre, in Sandgate Lanes Shopping Centre, off West Terrace - 3.2 miles away from Tesco.

Cllr Jim Martin (Green) said his main reason to object would be due to increased litter. He said: "Yes they do three litter picks a day, but this is a drive-thru, meaning people will take packaging elsewhere.

"It ends up on the beach and in the sea."

Cllr Martin also raised the issue of unhealthy food being 'inflicted' on children.

Cllr Jackie Mead (Lab) questioned if it would be necessary to be open 24 hours a day and Cllr Nicola Keen (Lab) called it a 'bad idea' for the environment.

Cllr Gary Fuller (Lib Dem) said traffic in that area is already a 'nightmare'.

Ward member, Cllr Rebecca Shoob (Green), also spoke out against the proposal, and the application has received more than 40 objections from residents since it was first proposed.

Some councillors were in favour of the plans however.

Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee (Con) said she couldn't think of a planning reason to vote against it and said McDonald's had adjusted their menu with healthier options.

Cllr Philip Martin (Con) said the scheme would create jobs and said the council should be encouraging business into the area.

Despite planning officers' recommendation to approve, the scheme was refused by councillors with five voting in favour and seven against.

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