PLANS for a McDonald’s at the former bunker site in Hexham will be decided next week.

The international burger chain is seeking permission for a new restaurant and drive-thru in the town.

The application has been recommended for approval by development chiefs when Northumberland County Council’s Tynedale Local Area Council meets on Tuesday (July 13).

It will have enough space for around 110 customers, including an outdoor ‘patio’ area.

Brains behind the scheme have also agreed to ensure designs ‘better respond to the heritage context of the development’, with timber cladding replacing the ‘relatively standard’ designs usually seen at McDonald’s branches.

If approved, it is expected to create up to 35 full time roles, as well as a further 30 part-time positions.

The plans have attracted some opposition, citing concerns over litter, obesity and the impact on other traders in the town.

But at least one representation submitted to the council welcomed it, claiming there are ‘too many pizza and kebab shops in Hexham, and it is about time the town got a McDonald's’.

Work is under way at the bunker site, at Alemouth Road, to create 250 car parking spaces, which will stand alongside a 69-bedroom Travelodge hotel and Lidl store.

The new McDonald's at the Tyneview Retail Park is set to open on July 21.