AFTER its controversial proposal to open 24 hours a day was refused, McDonald’s is facing further opposition over its plans to expand its outlet in Wildridings.

The fast food giant has applied for a 37.9 sq m extension to its restaurant, which would see both the dining area and kitchen extended.

The plan is being opposed by Bracknell Town Council, which is concerned about extra traffic on the access road, saying it is already congested when the ‘drive-thru’ is busy.

The application has also received three objections from residents so far, with concerns raised that extra congestion will prevent access to Mill Pond and children’s play areas further down the access road.

Pat Davies, of Arncliffe, Wildridings, said: “I am not happy about it but what can we do? It will encourage more traffic which we don’t need at all.” However, Bracknell Forest Council’s highways department sees no problem with the plans, as long as a condition is introduced to make modifications to widen the road are completed before the extension work takes place.

McDonald’s predicts the extension would see an extra 2-4% trade per hour, with it being catered for by an additional three parking spaces.

The application is due to be decided by Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee at a meeting on Thursday, April 24.

This follows a failed premises licence application by McDonald’s last month to operate the restaurant in the additional hours of 11pm-5am, which would have seen it open on a 24-hour basis.

The borough council’s licensing panel refused the plans on the grounds that it would encourage antisocial behaviour and cause noise nuisance, disrupting nearby residents.