New McDonald’s green-lighted despite numerous objections
East Kilbride will open their third McDonald’s after plans have been approved by councillors.
The new site will open up on Lindsayfield Road with over 120 jobs being created for residents.
The fast food restaurant will be situated next to the existing Morrisons with the approved proposal also including car parking and cycle and pedestrian access points.
Councillors met on Tuesday after receiving the results of neighbouring citizens with 531 representations received.
356 people objected to the plans and only 172 were in support however the go-ahead was given by the councillors.
The objections included traffic congestion, noise and light pollution, and increased littering.
David Watson, East Kilbride West Councillor, said: “This has been quite a controversial application. I’m looking for some assurances regarding traffic management, there’s two McDonald’s in East Kilbride at the moment and at times it is chaotic.
“If traffic starts backing up at the site like the other McDonald’s in East Kilbride, it’s going to be chaos on the roads.”
Adding a new McDonald’s site will hopefully relieve the overload from the other two respective sites in the town.
The drive-thru restaurant currently has branches at Queensway and the Whirlies.
Previously, there was also one in the East Kilbride Shopping Centre before it closed in 2021.
Dillan McAuslin, an avid McDonald’s enjoyer, said “I think it’s really good that they are opening a new McDonald’s.
“I was at the Queensway one on Saturday and they cannot handle the number of people as it is far too busy to the point that you are waiting more than half an hour for your food in a fast-food restaurant.
“With the new site being built to a new housing estate which is still in the works, I think it will do just great.”
