PLANS to open a new McDonald's drive-thru in Wirral could soon be approved – but not everyone is happy about it.

The proposals, set to be considered by the council's planning committee next month, would see a large new restaurant just off the M53 in Prenton – close to a gym.

But the plans have provoked a lot of reaction from local people – and in the council’s planning portal, at the time of writing there were 86 objections and just a single supporting statement for the scheme.

On Friday, Prenton ward councillors said some residents had concerns over safety and noise, while others saw the benefits of the development – including that dozens of jobs will be created.

The majority of concerns are coming from people living on the Durley Estate, close to the site of the new store.

Ward councillor Tony Norbury said: "The land that McDonald’s have chosen to put their latest fast food restaurant on in Prenton is unstable as it is designated for industrial use only.

"The people of the Durley Estate are very concerned about this application as they fear an increase in litter, noise pollution and unruly behaviour."

At Thursday's planning committee, it was revealed a site visit will take place next month ahead of a decision being made on the application.

Cllr Norbury said: "I will certainly speak for [residents] at the planning meeting in my role as their Labour ward councillor."

The proposals would see the new store on Prenton Way, next to junction three of the M53.

That would be on North Cheshire Trading Estate, home to commercial and industrial units as well as a Total Fitness gym.

Planning documents released in 2017 said the new store would create 65 jobs – 35 full time and 30 part time.

The 1.2 acre site was previously owned by United Utilities but is said to have been vacant for some time.

The plans would see a two-storey restaurant along with a drive-thru, car parking, cycle stands, a children's play area and other associated works.

Fellow ward councillor Angie Davies said she was in "listening mode" over the plans, adding that when they were first released, she gathered a variety of views from residents with some worried, and others more optimistic.

She said: "There were a number of people who contacted us from the Durley Estate with concerns around the potential litter and anti-social behaviour.

"Others were very concerned that it [would be built next to] a very busy junction. Previously, plans have been refused on obvious safety grounds for pedestrians and cyclists.

"We did go out and canvas the area, and we were getting a mixture of things said to us. Others thought it was a good idea in terms of employment and jobs created.

"We will go out again to canvas, and I will be in listening mode. Whatever the majority view is, that’s what we will go and represent at the committee."

At Thursday's planning committee meeting, chair Cllr Steve Foulkes, said: "I'm aware there’s a major application in Prenton for a McDonald’s drive-thru.

"It's been subject to a number of objections in the past, although there’s no reason to believe this will be the case in future.

"It’s likely to come to the February committee, so I would like the permission of the committee to have a site visit in February."

A McDonald's spokesman said: "We can confirm that we have submitted a planning application for a new drive thru restaurant on Prenton Way and we are working with the council on our plans.

"If approved, we believe the new restaurant would bring investment to the local community as well as creating at least 65 new full and part-time jobs.

"As with our other restaurants in the area we will be fully committed to being good neighbour and responsible member of the community in which we operate."