65 jobs on the way as Rutland bows to burger business

The East Midlands county of Rutland, which has long prided itself on being the only county in the country without a McDonald’s, has finally succumbed to the US fast food chain.

Yesterday evening, Rutland County Council chiefs approved plans to build a McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant at Lands End Way on the edge of Oakham.

The new restaurant will bring 65 jobs to the area.

The burger chain submitted a planning application to build the site last June, much to the consternation of local residents. Over 50 people raised objections to the development, arguing that the fast food giant was not in keeping with the county and that its presence in Oakham would lower the tone.

However, the people of Rutland will now be able to gorge themselves on Big Macs and fries to their heart’s content after the Council gave the green light to the proposals.

On receiving planning approval for the Rutland site, a spokesperson for McDonald’s said: “We are delighted that the Rutland Planning Committee has approved our application for a new restaurant in Oakham.

“Over the last year, we carried out an extensive consultation process, speaking to local residents about our plans and have been heartened by the levels of support we have received.

“The new McDonald’s will create at least 65 new jobs for local people, and we’re excited about working alongside the local community.”