CONTROVERSIAL plans that could see the development of a fast-food outlet with drive-through facility opening on the site of a derelict pub in Colburn have been approved by planners.

Despite opposition from many members of the Colburn community, members of Richmondshire District Council planning committee approved plans put forward by Mike Irwin on behalf of the site own Simon Hilliard.

Residents who live on Constantine Avenue backing on to the site of the Colburn Lodge pub are concerned that a drive-through element will encourage anti-social behaviour, and lead to increased traffic, bad smells from the food and a risk of rodents.

But planning officer Peter Featherstone said Environmental Heath and the Highways Authority were satisfied with the alterations the applicant had made to the plans, including an earlier closing time and extra trees and hedges to block the restaurant from view.

Mr Irwin said: “The proposal was intended as a beneficial step with the removal of the public house currently on the site.

“Our client was genuinely taken aback by the immediate resident’s objections and concerns about the potential social misbehaviour of youths and has tried to address the points made.”

Councillor Angie Dale from Colburn Town Council said that residents did not necessarily object to a restaurant – just the drive-through.

Councillor Linda Curran agreed that the town did not seem to need another take-away venue as there were many others in the area, and Coun Jimmy Wilson-Petch suggested closing a drive-through at 10.30pm rather than 11pm.

Five councillors agreed to the proposal and only two voted against it.