FAST food giant McDonald's is eyeing-up a move to Hexham after plans were submitted to open an outlet on a prime site in the town.

Developers have applied to Northumberland County Council to build a 110-seat restaurant and drive-through at the former Bunker Site, at Alemouth Road.

The news has caused much discussion in the town, with some fearing the impact on local businesses as well as concerns over excess rubbish.

But Fiona Beck, the landlady at the County Hotel said the arrival of McDonald's could attract more visitors in Hexham, and complement schemes to breathe new life into prominent sites such as the old bus station and the former Beales department store.

The County is an established food outlet, but Fiona did not see McDonald's as a competitor.

She added: "I do not see McDonald's as a threat at all. I see it as unlocking the town and what the town has to offer. I see it as a positive that a huge brand like McDonald's wants to come to Hexham and it will really boost the resurgence of the town.

"Other brands will look at the fact that McDonald's is keen to invest in Hexham and might consider having a look themselves."

The site already has planning permission for a mixed-use scheme, after proposals for a 69-bed Travelodge, a Lidl store were given the go-ahead earlier this year, along with outline permission for A1 to A4 retail units and for two class E retail units.

It is expected that the plans, which would include dedicated car parking, would lead to the creation of 65 jobs.

Known as the Bunker site, it was converted into a nuclear bunker by the government in the 1980s, but has been redundant for many years.

Coun. Derek Kennedy, who represents Hexham West, believed the site will be a success.

He said: ""It's almost 20 years since there was first talk of McDonald's coming to Hexham. At that time the Wentworth car park was earmarked as a possible site but it wasn't suitable because we needed the car parking space there.

"The Bunker site is away from residential properties and to put a McDonald's there would serve people who want to eat at a fast food restaurant. Young people like to go to McDonald's and I am sure it would be a success."

Coun. Bob Hull, Mayor of Hexham, added: "The town council will be examining the application with interest. We are interested in any developments which would be of benefit to the town."

Concerns over site access

Hexham Civic Society have raised concerns over access to the new development on Alemouth Road.

While the society have no issues with McDonalds as a company, they have pointed out that the fast-food chain will be mainly used by younger people who may not have access to a car.

Hexham Courant:

Vice chair of the society Roger Higgins, speaking on behalf of the society, said: "While the Civic Society would like to see any McDonald's unit, and inevitable signage, well-designed, we have no objection in principle to the company.

"With McDonalds likely to attract a young demographic, the poor site assembly and car-dominated access allowed by the County Council becomes an even greater safety issue.

"It would be great if Union Property would talk to adjacent land owners and create a site well integrated for foot and bike traffic, as well as cars.

"The likelihood of young people being the main customer base doesn't sit easily with the car-based access to the site.

"All planning authorities have a duty to put pedestrians and cyclists needs before those of car users - something which Northumberland County Council and the councillors who approved this layout have clearly failed to do"

Mr Higgins also raised concerns about alterations approved by the council that would damage the Alemouth Road ramp.

He continued: "We are deeply concerned that the County Council has approved a scheme accessed by a large new roundabout on the Grade II listed Alemouth Road ramp, and a slip road punching through the listed wall, eating into the site with ramps and earthworks.

"This literally buries for good the pedestrian tunnels between the bunker site, the Wentworth and the Station, which could have provided safe access by foot and bike, with a road access taken through the Bristol Street Motors site.