McDonald's has launched a charm offensive in a bid to woo supporters amid scores of complaints over plans for a 24-hour restaurant.
The burger giant is facing huge criticism after it submitted proposals to build a drive-thru on the former Dover Leisure Centre site close to the port.
As of this morning, more than 270 people had objected to the bid on Dover District Council’s planning website, but a plea for help from the company has now seen the number of supporters rise from just 25 to 105.
On Monday afternoon, McDonald’s shared a post on its official Facebook page - which has 82 million followers - saying it needed residents to “make their voice heard”.
It says its proposal for the site on the corner of Townwall Street and Woolcomber Street will create 120 jobs, and generate between £50,000 and £60,000 in business rates per year "to help the council fund key local services".
Bosses also claim the restaurant will "alleviate pressures on surrounding McDonald's which are currently overtrading".
Finally, the company argues, the restaurant will support its programme of community sponsorship and volunteering in Kent.
Dover has been without a branch of the chain since 2017, with the closest outlets currently found in Whitfield and Sandwich.
McDonald's is now telling supporters to register their support for the restaurant - a move that has angered opponents who say the drive-thru is proposed for an "awful location".
The plans for the 118-seater site, which were submitted to DDC in March, sparked a huge backlash as soon as they were announced.
Those against the scheme fear traffic problems and have complained of the restaurant’s closeness to the Grade II-listed ruins of St James’ Church, saying it would blight the area.
A group called Friends of Castle Conservation Area Dover has launched a campaign against the proposals, and Kent Police has also raised concerns over traffic.
Flora Lait, one of 279 opponents, said: “My objection is primarily due to the negative impact and loss of significance it will have on the neighbouring conservation area and heritage assets including Dover Castle, St James's Church, and multiple listed buildings that are in the site's setting and sight-lines.
“I am also concerned about the environmental issues including the increase in intentional journeys, air quality impact, light pollution and litter.”
But one of the residents in support, James Welah, said: "A new McDonald’s would create much-needed new jobs in the local community, as well as further opportunities in construction and the supply chain. It would alleviate pressures on surrounding restaurants.”
Another supporter, Harriet Cawsey, added: “The current Whitfield branch is chaos with heavy traffic all the time.”
Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.
If approved, the project will include 55 parking spaces - including 10 for electric car charging.
A decision on the application will be made by planning officers at DDC.
