McDonalds or Burger King outlet for Magherafelt

Fast food giants McDonalds or Burger King are in the running to open a drive thru restaurant at King Street in Magherafelt.

The proposed development is expected to create 50 new jobs in the town.

Plans were given the go-ahead at the monthly meeting of Magherafelt District Council last week.

There has been speculation for over a year that one of the fast food specialists had expressed an interest in coming to the south Derry town. The drive-thru and restaurant application - for local businessman Brian McNicholl - attracted eight letters of objection.

It is on the site of the former St John’s Hall which for many years was a big attraction for dances and bingo sessions in the town, until its demolition four years ago.

It had previously been earmarked for a £4.5m mix of apartments and commercial premises.

Mr McNicholl told the MAIL that he was delighted to have received planning permission.

He believed there was an opening in Magherafelt for the likes of McDonalds or Burger King, which he thought would benefit from the presence of the new bypass road.

“Magherafelt will also benefit from it as there is a demand for this type of outlet in most towns, “ he stressed.

He added that he would not know until later in the year which of the fast food giants would occupy the site.

Which would you rather see in Magherafelt - McDonalds or Burger King? Chicken Royale or Big Mac?

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