McDonald's has withdrawn an application for a 24 hour drive-thru in South Belfast.
The fast food chain had submitted a planning application to Lisburn and Castlereagh Cit Council planning department asking to install a freestanding restaurant with drive thru, car parking, landscaping and associated works on a section of an existing Tesco car park near the Belvoir Road in Newtownbreda.
However, the application faced resistance from local residents and politicians who were concerned over the impact that the 24 hour restaurant could have on the area.
Read more: Newtownbreda residents 'concerned' over McDonald's plan
There were concerns regarding noise, light and traffic pollution in the area, alongside fears that it could lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour in the area.
McDonald's has now made the decision to completely withdraw its application for the site.
Castlereagh South Alliance councillor Michelle Guy and party colleague Martin McKeever welcomed the news that the application had been withdrawn, saying that the community were thrilled by the decision.
Councillor Guy said: "I am so thrilled for the community who live near what was the proposed site for a 24hr drive through. It’s hard to get a win in planning but delighted our campaign to amplify the concerns of residents, parents and the wider community has given McDonalds pause and they have withdrawn this application and all associated applications around advertising etc."
Martin said: "As a resident and a rep for the Newtownbreda area, I am delighted to see that McDonald's has withdrawn its application for a 24hr driveway at the Newtownbreda Tesco. A major win for our area!
"Thank you, Michelle Guy, Paula Bradshaw MLA, and Kate Nicholl MLA for your work campaigning on this issue. When we talked to people about this application it was clear that there was no will to support this application amongst residents.
"If you would like to discuss this or other issues your Alliance Party of Northern Ireland Castlereagh South reps, Michelle, Nancy Eaton and I are always happy to engage."
SDLP councillor Simon Lee also welcomed the news saying: "Councillor John Gallen and I opposed this application from McDonald's and we’re delighted that they have taken on board concerns which I set out in a formal objection based on planning policy. Delighted with this local win."
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