A 12-metre tall illuminated McDonald's sign has been approved for the planned new drive-thru on the A140 despite three councils not lovin' it.
Planners have given the go-ahead for the totem-style sign featuring the company's famous golden arches logo next to the restaurant at the A140 and A143 roundabout at Scole, near Diss.
Three local parish councils had objected citing concerns over light pollution and the impact it will have on the surrounding landscape.
The restaurant is part of a new service station was approved by Mid-Suffolk District Council in June 2018. The BP filling station, including an M&S Simply Food outlet, opened last month, though work is yet to start on the planned McDonald's.
In their submission over the planned sign, Graham Moore, chairman Scole Parish Council, said they remained concerned about the effect the service station would have on the ecology within the Waveney Valley, including Scole Pocket Park situated across the A140.
"Light and noise pollution can only have a detrimental effect on the fragile eco-systems found locally. Dark skies and nights are important to us all," he stated.
In their submission Roger Greenacre, chairman Stuston Parish Meeting, said: "It will result in excessive light pollution and is not in keeping with a rural community but much more suited to that of an urban environment."
Brome and Oakley Parish Council also objected to the height of the planned sign and argued illustrations of the site showing mature trees screening it were not accurate.
Mid Suffolk District Council has now approved the plans that follow a previous submission by McDonald's for a similar sign in a different position on the site.
In a report into that application, planning officers stated the sign would not result in significant harm to residential properties due to the existing street lighting and proposed screening.
They added: "The proposal is not considered to result in significant harm with regards impact on visual amenity and the countryside and landscape character and quality of the locality."
McDonald's said despite the delay in construction they remained committed to building the new restaurant and hope to begin work as soon as possible.
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