McDonald’s Restaurant Ltd. has submitted plans to construct a new McDonald’s restaurant and drive-thru within the Haskins Retail Centre car park in the heart of Shepton Mallet, Somerset. The site, located off the A371 Townsend, currently features a large car park behind key local outlets including the police station, Greggs, and Subway.
The proposed development would be situated at the western edge of this brownfield site, necessitating a reduction in parking spaces from 318 to 256. To enhance safety and traffic flow, a new mini-roundabout is planned for the entrance to the retail centre at the eastern end of the car park, with northern parking spaces being rearranged to improve pedestrian routes.
The new McDonald’s restaurant will offer 50 indoor covers with a modern, relaxed dining environment, featuring a variety of seating options to cater to different customer needs. Operational hours are expected to be from 6am until midnight daily. The project is anticipated to create up to 120 local jobs.
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In addition, the adjacent car showroom to the south is set to be converted into two separate units, which could add approximately 30 more jobs depending on future occupants.
A spokesperson for Planware Ltd., representing McDonald’s, stated:
“The proposals provide the opportunity for McDonald’s to meet a long-standing requirement for a restaurant to serve this catchment area, addressing customer demand and providing additional choice in the market. The development represents a multi-million-pound investment creating jobs both during construction and operation, delivering significant economic benefits to the local community. The site is a suitable location for a drive-thru, well positioned to serve passing customers and those in the surrounding area.”
Somerset Council is expected to reach a decision on the proposals by Christmas this year, with the final determination likely to occur within the next six months. It remains unclear whether the decision will be made publicly by the council’s Planning Committee East, which manages major applications within the former Mendip area, or by planning officers under delegated authority.
Should planning permission be granted, construction could commence by mid-2027, paving the way for an opening in 2028.